LIBRARY
OF THK
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA.
^
GIFT OF
Class
MINUTES
of
Commissioners
for
Conspiracies
2, Frontispiece
&
'^j ? '• > ^ , :,^-^^ • ^^ ^ . .<
i^j^SMiiiiLss^^ ^
«P*££XL~>u fc^^L^^
Rough Draft of Minutes (an insert), with
Emendations by Gansevoort
(One-half reduced)
MINUTES of the
Commissioners for detecting
and defeating Conspiracies
INTHESTATE OFNEWYORK
ALBANY COUNTY SESSIONS, 1778-1781
Edited by VICTOR HUGO PALTSITS, State Historian
VOLUME 11:1780-1781
^v?4 L ! PC R N ^ ^/
_:.:.*^-^
PUBLISHED
STATE OF NEW YORK, ALBANY, 1909
/ n
Met Albany 2-d January 1780 1780
Present Jan"
John M Beeckman
Isaac D ronda
Isaac Lamb for whose Apprehension a Warrant [was] issued
on the 31st Ultimo having been Apprehended was brought
before the Board on being Examined he says that in the year
1 777 he went to Burgoyne to which he was persuaded by Mose
Dormen and others that he after wards went to New York
where he has remained since that Thomas Wiltsie is come
with him from New York his Examination [128] is in the
following Words (to wit) (see Examination on the File)
Resolved that the said Isaac Lamb be committed and that
a Mittimus be made for him —
Adjourned
Met Albany c January 1780
Present
Jeremiah Van Renselaer | j
Isaac D Fonda j (
Whereas it has appeared to this Board that Rudolfh
Schoenmaker, Johan Jost Schoenmaker and a Negro Man
Slave of the said Rudolfh Schoenmaker have been lately
committed to the Custody of Anthony Van Veghten Esql
high Sheriff of the County of Tryon by Virtue of a certain
Instrument in Writing under the Hands of W™ Petry Hendrick
Herchemer and Peter Ballinger Esq^l for Crimes supposed
to be committed by the said Rudolfh Schoenmaker & Johan
Jost Schoenmaker in the year 1777 & as the said Rudolfh
Schoenmaker has lately for the same sopposed Crimes
431
432 State of New York
1780 been bound by us in a Recognizance to appear at the next
Court of Over & Terminer to be held in the County of
Tryon and permitted in Consequence thereof to go at large
& as it appears to us as well from the said Instrument in
Writing as other Information that the supposed Crimes
w[h]erewith the said Johan Jost Schoenmaker and the said
Negro Man Slave are groundless —
It is therefore resolved that an Order be made out to
the said Anthony Van Veghten Esq- to discharge from his
Custody the said Rudolph Schoonmaker, Johan Jost Schoen
maker and the said Negro Man Slave —
Adjourned —
T
Jan. 14. r>
Present
Met Albany 14th January 1780
J J /
Tohn M Beekman ) ( T ^ ^ ,
•< Isaac D ronda
Mathew Vischer )
Philip Empey appeared before the Board and requested
our Permission to go & visit his Family at Bowman's Kill —
[129] Resolved that they [sic] said Philip Empey have
permission Granted him for that purpose and that he return
to the Place to which he is restricted by his Recognizance in
one Forthnight from this Day —
Isaac Lamb who was one the 3d Instant confined was
brought before the Board resolved that he be discharged
from his Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for
his good Behaviour Appearing before us on the first Day of
February next and also appearing before the Board when
thereunto required
Isaac Lamb on Recognizance in ......... £1000
David Sprague his Bail ....... in ......... £ 500
John Cormichael also his Bail in ......... £ 500
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 433
Resolved that Alexander Squire enter into a Recognizance 178°
for his good Behaviour & appearing on the first Day of
February next or when required -
Alexander Squire on Recognizance in ...... £5000
Gurdin Squire his Bail ........... in ...... £5000 —
Adjourned -
Met Albany 2 Ist January 1780 1780
Present Jan' 2I'
John M Beekman ) ( T r\ T? j
^ •< Isaac D Fonda
Mathew Vischer ) (
Jacob Merkle of Tryon County confined for disaffection
was brought before the Board resolved that be be Discharged
from Confinement on entering into a Recognizance with a
sufficient Surety for his future good Behaviour and appearing
before any three of the Commiss^ for Conspiracies when
Called upon —
Jacob Merkle of Tryon CountyFarmer in. £1000
John Breadfrick of Stonerabia in Tryon
County Farmer his Bail in .............. £ 500
Adjourned —
[130] Met Albany 26th January 1780 1780
Jan. 26.
Present
John M Beeckman
Isaac D Fonda
1 (
(
The Board having received Information that William
True of Kinderhook is a person whose going at Large may
prove dangerous to the Safety of the State & that it is
necessary he Should be Confined —
It is therefore resolved that a Warrant be made out
434 State of New York
1780 directed to Lieu- Reuben Murry to take to his Assistance
Jan. 26. .
two Men & apprehend the said William True and forth
with bring him before us —
Adjourned
1^80 Met Albany Ist February 1780
Feb. i. n
Present
Teremiah Van Renselaer ) ( T T^ T- j
J \ \ Isaac D Fonda
Mathew Visscher (
Resolved that Andrew Squire who was taken Prisoner at
Stoney Point be permitted to go at large in the District of
Schaactikoke untill Called upon to be Exchanged on Enter
ing into a Recognizance to appear before the Commissary
of Prisoners or any other Authority of this State when
called upon —
Andrew Squire on Recognizance in £500
Gurdin Squire his Bail in £500
William True alias Comfort Carpenter for whose Appre
hension a Warrant was made out on the 26th Ultimo was
brought before the Board Resolved that he be confined &
that a Mittimus be made out for him —
Resolved that Stephen Astin be discharged on entering
into Recognizance for his Appearance at the Next Supreme
Court of Judicature to be held at the City Hall in this City
on the third Tuesday in April next and that in the same
time be of Good Behaviour
Stephen Astin on Recognizance in £1000
Isaac Shelden his bail in £ 500
Hosea Hamilton also his Bail . .in £ 500
Adjourned
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 435
[131] Met Albany 2"? February 1780 1780
Feb. 2.
Present
John M Beekman | j j D F d
Jeremiah V. Renselaer ) (
Edward Finn who was some time ago Liberated from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance with D-
George Smith as his Surety laid Before the board a Petition
wherein he sets forth the Difficulties he Labours under from
his being restricted to these & requesting Permission to
go to Ballstown for the Purpose of Keeping a School, and
the said George Smith appearing before us and requesting
to be Discharged from the Recognizance by him entered
into for the said Edward Finn —
Resolved that the Said Edward Finn be informed that
the Board will take the said Petition into Consideration
and will give him an answer to the Same on the 5th Instant
Also Resolved that D? George Smith be discharged from
his Recognizance as Surety for the said Edward Finn —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 5th February 1780 I78o
Present Feb. 5.
John M Beekman ) ( ** , *r u
J . •< Mathew Visscher
Jeremiah Van Renselaer } (
Edward Finn who was ordered to attend the Board this
Day to receive an answer to the Petition presented to us on
the 2^ Instant appeared agreeable to the said Order -
Whereupon it is resolved that the said Edward Finn have
Permission to go to Ballstown on his entering into a Recog
nizance to remain in the District of Ballstown until Called '
upon by us and not to Depart the said Limits without Leave
436 State of New York
1780 obtained for that Purpose from Col- James Gordon and to
behave himself peaceably and as a good Subject of the
State —
Edward Finn Schoolmaster on Recognizance
m £500
Adjourned
1780 [132] Met Albany 6th February 1780
Feb. 6.
Present
John M Beekman ) f ,
S/r L IT- i. r •{ Isaac D ronda
Mathew Vissher j (
Alexander Hubs appeared according to an order of this
Board and being examined in the Respect to Benjamin
Davis Andries Ten Eyck Jun? & Christian Legrange saith
as follows (to wit) (see Examination on the File)
Resolved in Consequence of the above Examination that
the s- Christian Legrange enter into a Recognizance with
a Sufficient Surety for his Appearance at the next Supreme
Court of Judicature to be held at the City Hall in this City
on the Third Tuesday in April next & in the mean time
be of the good Behaviour towards all and every the liege
Subjects of this State
Christian Legrange on Recognizance in £500
Thomas Lottridge his Bail in £200
Resolved that the above Mentioned Andries Ten Eyck
Jurtf enter into a Recognizance & that he be bound in every
like Respect [as] Christian Legrange
Andries Ten Eyck Junr On Recognizance in £500
William Burnside his Bail in £250
Adjourned
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 437
Met Albany yth February 1780
Present
John M Beekman ) ( T r> T? j
A/T L ^- u 1 Isaac D Fonda
Mathew Visscher ) (
Resolved that Isaac Lamb be discharged from Confine
ment on entering into a Recognizance to appear before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called
upon or before any other Judicial Authority if required &
do his Duty & be of the good Behaviour towards all the
liege Subjects of this State for and during the Continuance
of three Years
Isaac Lamb on Recognizance in ........... £600
David Sprauge [sic] his Bail in ........... £300
Alexander Hubs also his Bail in
Resolved that William True Alias Comfort Carpenter be
discharged from Confinement on his entering into a Recog
nizance with Sufficient Sureties for his Appearance at the
next Supreme Court of Judi- [133] cature to be held at the
City Hall in this City on the third Tuesday in April next
& not to Depart the Court without Leave and also for his
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con
spiracies when thereunto required and for his good and
peaceable Behaviour
William True on Kinderhook District Physi
cian in ............ . .................. £1000
Elijah Hudson of Kings District his Bail in. £ 500
Henry Bush of the same Place also his Bail
in ................................... £ 500
Jesse White of the same Place also Bail in. £ 500
Adjourned
438 State of New York
1780 Met Albany 8th February 1780
Present
John M Beeckman ) (
Mathew Visscher ) (
The Board having been informed that Mathew Brown
James Brown & James Brown ]unT. are able to give some
very Material Information respecting the Conduct of John
Dunbar at the time when General Burgoyne came down with
his Army resolved that the said Mathew Brown James
Brown & James Brown Junl be Severally cited forthwith
to appear before this Board they may be examined as to
the above
The Board having also received Information that Gerrit
Van Ness is able to prove that Lieu- Col! Daniel B. Bradt
did furnish some of the Enemy with Arms when Burgoyne
came down with his Army
It is therefore resolved that the said Gerrit Van Ness be
cited forthwith to appear before this Board in Order that
he may be examined as to the same
Adjourned
1780 Met Albany Qth February 1780
Feb. 9. Present
Jeremiah Van Renselaer [
Isaac D Fonda j
As the Act of the Legislature of this State1 by which the
Powers vested in this Board will in a few days expire and
as it is uncertain whether the said Act will be continued
It is therefore Resolved that all such Persons who have been
employed to perform Services by Order of this Board be
1 The reference is to the act of October i, 1779. By an act of March 13,
1780, any two justices could enlarge deserters from the British. The com
missioners were revived by an act of June 14, 1780. See Appendix I: Laws.
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 439
notifyed to deliver in their Accounts that the[y] may be T78o
paid
[134] Resolved that the Secretary to this Board pay to
Lieut: Thomas Ismay the sum of £91 y/ iQs//6d being the
full Amount of the Pay and Subsistance Roll of the Party
of Militia under the command of the said Thomas Ismay
Resolved that the Secretary also pay to John Fonda JunF
the sum of £74 being for beef Provided by him for the use
of the State Prisoners — l
Adjourned
Met Albany 14th February 1780 *78o
Present
John M Beekman ) ( T r>* T? j
i« i XT- i l Isaac D Fonda
Mathew Visscher ) (
Resolved that Robert Davis be discharged on entering
into a Recognizance for his future good Behaviour doing
his Duty as a good & faithfull Subject of the State &
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con
spiracies and remaining within the following Limits (to wit)
West the Mill of Col! Veeder, South the Creek East and
north the Hill -
Robert Davis on Recognizance in £500
Met Albany 22 April 1781 [sic for 1780] AI78°
Present
John M Beeckman ) ( T r>v T- j
;, , T7. \ Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Vischer ) (
Resolved that Abraham Hoogteling be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a Recog® for his good Be-
1 The original voucher is in Revolutionary Manuscripts, vol. 40, p. 173,
dated February 28, 1780, State Comptroller's office.
440 State of New York
haviour & appearance before any one of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when called upon until discharged by this
Board
Abraham Hoogteling of the West District of
the Manor of Renselaerwyck Yeoman in. £100
Joseph Salsbury of the same Place Yeoman
his Bail in ............................ £100
1780 [jor] Albany 28^? Tune 1780
June 28. J
An Act having been passed by the Legislature of this
State on the 14- Day of June 1780 entitled An Act to revive
the Laws appointing Commissioners for detecting and de
feating Conspiracies in the words following (to wit)1
Whereas the Act " for appointing Commissioners for
detecting and defeating Conspiracies and declaring their
Powers " passed the fifth day of February 1778 and the Act
" for encreasing the number of Commissioners for detecting
and defeating Conspiracies within this State " passed the
third day of April 1778 are expired And whereas there is
good reason to apprehend that Emissaries from the Enemy
are lurking in different parts of the State, and that the
Disaffected Inhabitants are conspiring against the public
peace and safety: by reason whereof it hath become Necessary
to revive the Powers of the said Commissioners —
Be it therefore enacted by the people of the State of
New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is
hereby enacted by the Authority of the same; that the said
two Acts, & the Powers and authorities by them or either of
them granted to the Commissioners appointed or to be
appointed by Virtue of the said Acts, or any and every
three of them, shall be and are hereby revived, and shall
1 Appendix I: Laws, June 14, 1780.
Clean Copy of Minutes
exhibiting Gansevoort's reappointment
(One-half reduced)
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 441
Continue and be in full force during the Continuance of the I78°8
present War with Great Britain. That each Commissioner
shall be allowed for each day he shall be actually employed
in the Execution of the said Office, the [136] sum of Fourteen
Shillings of the Money to be issued agreeable to the Resolu
tions of Congress of the Eighteenth day of March last and
that the Treasurer of this State shall out of any monies which
may be in the Treasury, advance to the said Commissioners
or any three of them such sum or sums as they shall from
time to time require to defray the Expence of the Business
hereby committed to them, not exceeding in the whole the sum »
of two thousand pounds of like Money aforesaid —
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true Copy
of the Original Law now lodged in the Secretary's Office of
this State. Given at Kingston June 2c£? 1780 —
Robert Harpur Dep^ Secr^ —
In Consequence of which Act the following Members Met
Viz-1
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( Mat: Visscher
Resolved that Leonard Gansevoort Jun- be appointed
as Secretary to this Board and that his pay be the same as is
allowed to the Secretary of the Board of Commissioners for
Conspiracies sitting at Poughkeepsie —
Ordered that Jacob Kidney be appointed as Door Keeper
to this Board and that he have an Allowance for each Day
he shall be actually employed in and about that Business the
sum of 6/ per Day —
Ordered that the Secretary lay before the Board as soon
as conveniently may be an exact List of such Persons [137]
as have been bound by Recognizance's from time to time
by the Board of Commissioners for Conspiracies heretofore
442 State of New York
*78o acting Specifying the Days when they were discharged and
the sums in which they have been respectively bound —
Adjourned
1780 Met Albany 29- Tune 1780
June 29' Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( Mathew Visscher
Major Jacob Schermerhorn appeared before the Board
and informed that the cause of Commitment of Hendrick
Kittle and Nicholas Van Valkenburgh is as follows (to wit)
Hendrick Kittle for insulting the Court Martial appointed
to try him for neglect of Militia Duty and for Saying he
would not be tried by them —
Nicholas Van Valkenburgh for drinking the Kings Health
and damning every one that opposed the King's Laws -
It is ordered that Jan Devoe Jun- who is Bail for the
Appearance and good Behaviour of William Sanders be
ordered to bring the said William Sanders before this Board
on Saturday the first day of July next and that in Case
of Failure the Recognizance entered into by the said Jan
Devoe Jun- will be prosecuted —
John Blackley having been confined by order of the
Magistrates of this City for attempting to go off to the Enemy
and it appearing to us that the Proof against him is not
so clear as to render his Confinement any Longer necessary
do therefore order that he be Liberated from his Confinement
[138] on his entering into a Recognizance with sufficient
Sureties for his appearance when called upon before the
Board of Commissioners for Conspiracies or any Civil
authority in this State & for his future good Behaviour
during the Continuance of the present War with Great
Britain —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 443
John Blackley of the City of Albany Taylor un
on Recognizance in ................... £2000
Nicholas Halenbeeck of the City of Albany
Carpenter his Bail in .................. £1000
Colin Gibson of the same place Taylor
also his Bail in ....................... £1000
The Board having received Information that Henry
Simpson Living on the Schenectady Road is of a Suspicious
Character and that as a Tavern Keeper it is Necessary he
should be laid under Restrictions therefore ordered that a
warrant be made out Directed to Jacob Kidney the Door
Keeper to apprehend the said Henry Simpson and forthwith
bring him before us —
It is ordered that the Goaler lay before this Board a
true List of all such Persons as are now in Confinement
together with the cause of their Commitment and the Names
of the Magistrates by whom committed —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 30^ June 1780-
Present
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( Mathew Visscher
Isaac D Fonda ) ( John M. Beeckman
Whereas from the Disturbances occasioned by the dis
affected Inhabitants of this County and from the [139]
pressing Necessity at this Juncture of enforcing a due
Observance to the Laws and punishing such as transgress
against them and for the more speedy apprehension of such
suspicious Persons as may be lurking about the Country
it is thought necessary to have a Number of Men in differ
ent Parts of this County to carry into Execution such orders
as may from time to time be issued by this Board and that
444 State of New York
1780 tne parties so to be employed be raised on the East and
June 30. .
west side of the River and Lieu- Philip Staats of Col- Kil-
lian Van Rensselaer's Regiment having been applied to in
order to take the Command of one of the said Parties and
he declaring his willingness to except [sic] the same —
Be it therefore ordered that a warrant be made out Di
rected to the said Lieu- Philip Staats to engage to the Num
ber of about ten men who are to Provide themselves with
a good Horse & proper Arms and Accoutrements and who
are to be allowed the same Pay given to the Cavalry of the
Army of the United States and to have an allowance made
them for Horse hire and Subsistance —
Jacob Kidney attended and informed that he had appre
hended Henry Simpson who being brought before the Board
and examined and the Charge against him not appearing
to be such as to merit a Commitment therefore resolved
that he enter into a Recognizance with two Sureties him
self in £1000 and the Sureties each in £500 for his personal
appearance before the Board or either of the Commission
ers when thereunto required to be of the good Behaviour
do his duty as a good and faithful subject of the State ought
to do and to give Information to the said Commissioners
from time to time of all such [140] Matters and things
which may come to his Knowledge and which may tend in
any Manner to the Prejudice of the United State of America
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
Henry Simpson of the City of Albany Inn
keeper on Recognizance in £1000
Jesse Fairchild of the same Place Blacksmith
his Bail in £ 500
William Charles of the same Place also his
Bail in £ 500
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 445
A Return being made according to order by the Secre- X78o
tary of the different Persons who have been bound by
Recognizance's ordered that Notice's be put up in different
Parts of this County ordering such Persons to appear before
this Board on the 20- day of July next —
Adjourned —
Met Albany i^i July 1780 1780
r>
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) f Mathew Visscher
Whereas a number of suspicious Persons are daily pass
ing through this County who on being apprehended &
Questioned name Officers in the Militia under whose com
mand they pretend to be by which Means many Villians
go unpunished to prevent which in future it is resolved that
Letters be wrote to the different Colonels or Commanding
Officers of General Ten Broeck's Brigade requesting them
as soon as possible to furnish this Board with the Names
of every Person of their Regiment and the Companies to
which they Belong —
[141] Jan Devoe Jun- according to order appeared be
fore the Board with William Sanders whom he requested
Permission to Surrender in Discharge of himself —
Resolved that the said William Sanders be committed
and that a Mittimus be made out to the Goaler to take
him into his Custody — And also Resolved that Jan Devoe
Junior his Bail be Discharged from his Recognizance —
Lidia Currey having been confined by order of the Magis
trates of this City for assisting in concealing & harbouring
Persons from the Enemy was brought before the Board &
examined
Resolved that she be discharged from her Confinement
State of New York
on Gerrit Bradt of the Hellebergh entering into a Recog
nizance for her future good Behaviour and Appearance
before this Board when required —
Gerrit Bradt of the Hellebergh in the County
of Albany Yeoman on Recognizance as
Bail for Lidia Currey in £100
Leonard Gansevoort Jun- Secretary to this Board Ex
hibited to us an Account for Paper purchased by him for
the use of this Board amounting to £144 Continental Money
ordered that the same [be] paid —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 3-*- July 1780
Present
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) j Isaac D. Fonda
John M. Beeckman ) ( Mathew Visscher
The Goaler laid before the Board a paper whereby he
was requested to take into his Care the Body of John Arm
strong of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck a Person Notoriously
[142] disaffected to the American Cause and deliver him
over to this Board -
Whereupon it is ordered that a Mittimus be made out to
the Goaler to take the said John Armstrong into his Custody
and Closely confine him -
Hendrick Appley having been committed to Goal by
order of the justices in this City on suspicion of his being
privy to the secreting and harbouring a Party of the Enemy
was brought before the Board and Enquiry being made
into the Proofs in support of the same and the said Charge
appearing in the Judgment of this [Board] unsupported but
the said Hendrick Appley being a Disaffected Person -
Therefore resolved that he be discharged from Confine
ment on entering into Recognizance for his future good
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 447
Behaviour and appearance before any of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when called upon during the Continuance
of the present war with Great Britain
Hendrick Appley of the Hellebergh in the
County of Albany Yeoman on Recog
nizance in ............................. £100
Andries Ward of the same place Yeoman his
Bail in ................................ £ 50
John Waggoner of the same place Yeoman
also his Bail in ........................ £ 50
Simeon Griggs of Half Moon having attempted to go to
Canada and join the Enemy and having been apprehended
by order of the Magistrates of this City and by them suffered
to return home at the request of Col- Van Schoonhoven to
endeaviour to procure Bail for his future [143] good Conduct
in Consequence thereof Alexander Griggs the Father of the
said Simeon Griggs appeared before us and informed the
Board that he was willing to enter into Recognizance for
the said Simeon Griggs —
Whereupon resolved that the said Alexander Griggs enter
into a Recognizance for the future good Behaviour of his son
Simeon Griggs and for his appearance when called upon
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies and
for his remaining within the Limits of the District of Half
Moon unless when called upon to do Militia duty which
recognizance to be in full force during the Continuance of
the present war with Great Britain —
Alexander Griggs of the Half Moon District
in the County of Albany Yeoman on Recog
nizance as Bail for Simeon Griggs in ....... £200
Evert Ostrander, John Frazer, and John Andrew having
been apprehended on their way to Canada to join the Enemy
448 State of New York
1780 were brought before the Board and on being examined Con-
Uly a, 3
fessing the Charge alledged against them and declaring an
Intention of persisting in the like Conduct in future —
It is therefore resolved that the said Evert Ostrander,
John Andrew, and John Frazer be confined and that a
Mittimus be made out to the Goaler to take them into his
Custody -
Adjourned —
'J^ Met Albany 4^ July 1780-
Present
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( T T^ T? j
] Isaac D. Fonda
John M. Beeckman ) (
[144] Information having been given to this Board that a
certain James Mellderon has lately come to this place who
appears to be of a suspicious Character. It is therefore
ordered that Jacob Kidney be commanded to apprehend
the said James Mellderon and bring him forthwith before us —
Jacob Kidney appeared and informed that he had appre
hended the said James Mellderon —
Whereupon resolved that he be brought before the Board
on his Examination producing a Pass from a Justice of the
Peace at Fredericksburgh it is Ordered that he be given in
Charge to the Goaler till he shall give Surety for his pro
ducing to us proper Vouchers of his Character as a Friend to
the American Cause —
Graudus J. Cluet having been on his way to join the
Enemy and having returned and Voluntarily surrendered
himself and being brought before us by his Father Jacob
Cluet and on being examined appearing candid and open in
his Confession and making Promises of future good Conduct
therefore resolved on account of his Youth and the Inter-
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 449
cession of the said Jacob Cluet his Father whose Atachmen i?80
J July 4.
to the American Cause has been evinced on several Occasions
that he be permitted to return home —
Simeon Griggs for whom Alexander Griggs was on the 3-
Instant bound by Recognizance appeared before the Board
ordered that he enter into Recognizance for his future good
Behaviour and for his appearance before [145] any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon and
for his remaining within the District of the Half-Moon
unless called upon to do Military duty during the Continu
ance of the present war with Great Britain —
Simeon Griggs of the District of the Half
Moon in the County of Albany Yeoman on
Recognizance in £200
Abraham Peltz having been apprehended & confined by
Major Ezekiel Taylor on Suspicion of being privy to a
Party of Men going off to the Enemy and the Proof appearing
rather ill founded but the said Abraham Peltz being a dis
affected person it is therefore ordered that previous to his
discharge be be bound by a Recognizance for his future good
Behaviour and Appearance before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when called upon during the
Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Abraham Peltz of New Town in the County
of Albany Yeoman on Recognizance in. ... £50
Hendrick Peltz of Pougkeepsie in Dutchess
County his Bail in £50
Duncan M^Dougall appearing before the Board and being
willing to become surety for James Mellderon It is ordered
that the said Duncan M* Dougall enter into a Recognizance
for the said James Mellderon's transmitting to this Board
a proper Certificate of his attachment to the American
450 State of New York
Cause from four or more respectable Inhabitants of Dutchess
County within One Month from this day —
James Mellderon of Fredericksburough in
the County of Dutchess Yeoman on Recog
nizance in £50
[146] Duncan MeDougall of the City of Albany
his Bail in £50
Adjourned
1780 Met Albany $- July 1780 —
5- Present
John M. Beeckman ) j j^ D p^
Mathew Visscher ) (
A Letter was laid before the Board from Col- Abraham
Wemple at Schenectady informing us that he had some time
ago committed to Goal a German formerly belonging to
Burgoyne's Army from an Apprehension of his being an
Enemy to the cause of America but that he having learned
from various Circumstances that his suspicions were ill
founded he therefore requests that he may be liberated from
his Confinement —
On Consideration of which Letter it appearing that the
said German is a Prisoner of war and that he comes properly
under the direction of the Military power Therefore ordered
that he be delivered over to Colonel Goose Van Schaick the
Commanding Officer in this Place —
Adjourned —
I78o Met Albany 6^ July 1780
July 6. Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T T^ T-
;:, . Tr. , r i Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher ) (
It being suggested to the Board that Francis Rawworth
lately an Inhabitant of Johnstown in Tryon County can give
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 451
Information respecting the Conduct of Robert Adams at the
time Sir John [147] Johnson destroyed Caughnawago —
Ordered therefore that the said Francis Rawworth be
summoned to attend this Board immediately —
The said Francis Rawworth appeared and on his Exami
nation says that he did not see M- Adams during the time Sir
John Johnson was at Johnstown and that he has understood
the said Robert Adams was taken Prisoner by a Party of Men
and carried to Sir John —
Marte Freligh having been heretofore bound by Recog
nizance for his good Behaviour and appearance before the
Board of Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required and also for his appearance on the last day of every
Month before any one of the said Commissioners and the
said Marte Freligh this day appearing pursuant to notification
& it appearing from the Information of John M. Beeckman
Esq- one of the Members of this Board that the said Marte
Freligh has punctually appeared before him pursuant to the
tenor of his said Recognizance —
Resolved therefore that he be discharged as to that part
of his Recognizance which requires his appearance on the
last day of every month but that the Remainder of the said
Recognizance shall stand & remain in full force and Virtue
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
Resolved that Major Henry Van Veghten be and he is
hereby requested and fully Authorized & empowered to
stop every Person whom he may find travelling through
this City and whom he may conceive [148] from their
appearance and Conversation to be of suspicious Charac
ter's and on his detecting any such person make report to
us of the same as soon as conveniently may be —
Adjourned —
452 State of New York
1780 Met Albany 7^? July 1780 —
July 7. ~ j i j j i
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Mathew Visscher
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Received a letter from Math[e]w Adgate Esq- one of the
Justices of the Peace of this County dated Kings District
<jt.h day of July Instant wherein he informs us that having re
ceived Information that Daniel Green, Joseph Potter and
David Darrow were collecting a Number of Sheep in King's
District with an intention of driving them to the westward
and as there is the greatest reason to suppose from their
disaffection to the American Cause that they mean to con
vey them to the Enemy or at least bring them so near the
Frontiers that the enemy may with safety take them that
therefore he had caused them to be apprehended & con
veyed to us by Ensign Jones and the said Daniel Green
and Joseph Potter being brought before the Board and
Examined & proving Satisfactorily to us that they had no
intention of driving the said sheep to the Enemy were sev
erally discharged but David Darrow on his examination
denying the Authority of this Board and all Civil Jurisdic
tion in this State and pretending that by his religious prin
ciples [149] he is restrained from taking up Arms in de
fence of the Country and that he does not intend to do any
kind of Military duty whatsoever nor does not in any in
stance intend to abide by the Laws of this State, and John
Hocknear of Nistageune and David Macham of New Leba
non appearing before us to Vindicate the cause and Justify
the Principles of the said David Darrow and acknowledg
ing a Concurrence of Sentiment with him and declaring
that it was their determined Resolution never to take up
arms and to dissuade others from doing the same and as
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 453
such principles at the present day are highly pernicious and *78°
of destructive tendency to the Freedom & Independence of
the United States of America —
It is therefore resolved that the said David Darrow, John
Hocknear and Joseph Macham stand severally committed
& that a Mittimus be made out for them —
Mf Jones informed that a certain Jonah Case an Inhabi
tant of Goshen in the County of Litchfield in the state of
Connecticut who has been inimically disposed to the Ameri
can Cause from the Commencement of the War and was
for his disaffection confined to his Farm has several times
passed through his place on his way to Nistageune for the
Purpose of associating with a set of people who call them
selves shaking Quakers and that a certain Zadock Wright
a prisoner of war who has been by the Commissioners for
Conspiracies liberated from Confinement and by Parole
restricted to the Limits of Kings District also pretends to be
of the denomination of people called shaking Quakers and
that he dissuades people [150] from taking up Arms —
It is ordered in Consequence of the said Information that
a Letter be wrote to Mathew Adgate Esq- to have the said
Jonah Case apprehended and brought before us —
It is also ordered that the said Zadock Wright be cited
forthwith to appear before this Board —
Adjourned —
Met Albany ic£? July 1780—- 1780
Present JtUyi0'
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher ) ( [Samuel Stringer]
A Certificate signed by Robert Harpur Esq^ Deputy Sec
retary of this State was laid before the Board whereby it
454 State of New York
1780 appears that Samuel Stringer Esq-was on the is.fc day of July
Instant appointed by the Council of appointment as a Com
missioner for detecting and defeating Conspiracies within
this State in Consequence of which Certificate the said
Samuel Stringer took the Oath as prescribed in and by the
["] Act for appointing Commissioner for enquiring into de
tecting & defeating all Conspiracies which may be formed
in this State against the Liberties of America" and also
took his seat at the Board as a Member —
Edward Archer of this City appeared before the Board
and informed that George Rodgers did Yesterday in his
presence say that the French Fleet was come to carry off the
Damned Rebel Officer Washington who was afraid he would
he hanged and the Rebel Congress that the [151] Whigs
were all a set of scoundrels and Rascals and that he was
persuaded the British Troops would in a forthnight's time
march through the City of Albany —
Ordered that a Letter be wrote to John Ryley to request
him to appear before this Board to give Information respect
ing Nicholas Van Valkenburgh now confined in Goal —
The affidavit of John Coppernoll & John Vrooman re
specting Jacob J. Truax was laid before the Board from
which it appears that the said Jacob J. Truax is a person
greatly disaffected to the American Cause whose going at
large may prove dangerous to the Safety and wellfare of
this State -
It is therefore resolved that a warrant be made out di
rected to Jacob Kidney to apprehend the said Jacob J-
Truax and that the Goaler be ordered to receive him into
his Custody and closely confine him —
A Number of Negroes having been apprehended at the
Half Moon on suspicion of their intending to burn & de
stroy that Settlement and they having been severally exam-
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 455
ined by us denyed the Charge alledged against them but
acknowledged that they had an intention of going to Canada
to which they were induced by William Loucks a son in
Law of Hans Roeliffse and a Hessian named Coonradt1 liv
ing with William Waldron who told them that when they
got to Canada they would be free and that the said Wil
liam Loucks and Coonradt told them they would go with
them —
I[n] Consequence of which Information it is ordered that
a Letter be WiOte to Colonel Van Schoonhoven2, at Half
Moon requesting him without delay to [have] the said Wil
liam [152] Luycks and Coonradt apprehended and brought
before us —
Ordered also that a Letter be wrote to Hendrick Van
Schoonhoven requesting him immediately to send down his
Negro wench who has given Information concerning the
above mentioned Negroes in Order that she may be
examined —
Adjourned —
Met Albany n^? Tuly 1780 — 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Samud Strf
Isaac D. ronda ) (
In Consequence of the Information Yesterday given to
this Board by Edward Archer respecting George Rodgers
It is ordered that a warrant be made out Di[r]ect[ed] to
Jacob Kidney as Constable to apprehend the said George
Rodgers and that the Goaler be ordered to take into his
Custody and closely confine him -
Israh Sanford was brought before the Board by Major
1 Frederick Coonradt.
2 Colonel Jacobus Van Schoonhoven.
456 State of New York
Van Veghten as a Person of a suspicious Character
on examining him it appears that he is an inhabitant of the
State of Massechusetts Bay and is also one of those persons
who pretend that they are restrained by their religious prin
ciples to take up Arms in defence of the Country —
Ordered that he be discharged but that he be informed
that if he is again found in this County he will be closely
Confined —
James Patherton of Nestageune was also brought before
the Board and on being questioned pretend- [153] ing
that he is restrained by his Religious principles to take up
Arms in defence of the State —
Resolved that the said James Patherton have Permission
to go and procure a sufficient surety for his future good
Behaviour and doing his duty as a faithful subject of the
state —
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 12^ Tuly 1780
Present
John M Beeckman ) j Isaac D. Fonda
bamuel Stringer ) (
A Letter from Lieu- Col1- Henry Van Rensselaer dated
ii— July Instant was laid before the Board containing the
Charges alledged against Nicholas Kittle, John Armstrong,
and Jacobus Moll, which Letter is in the words following
(to wit) (see Letter on the file)
Anthony Van Schaick Esq^ made application to the Board
in favour of Thomas Andrew a prisoner now confined [in
Goal and on examining into the nature of his crime (he
having been confined by order of the Magistrates of this
City) and finding the charge alledged against him not prop
erly supported —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 457
Therefore resolved that the said Thomas Andrew be lib-
erated from Confinement on his entering into a Recogniz
ance with the said Anthony Van Schaick as his surety for
his future good Behaviour & appearance before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto re
quired during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
[154] Thomas Andrew of Newtown in the
County of Albany Yeoman on Recogni
zance in .............................. £200
Anthony Van Schaick of the County of
Albany Esq- his Bail in ................ £100
It having been represented to this Board that Peter Cra-
pole a prisoner now confined in Goal who was apprehended
on his way to the Enemy has been destitute of provisions
for some days and being unable on Account of his poverty
to purchase any it is therefore resolved that the Goaler be
requested to furnish the said Peter Crapole with provi
sions for which the Board will allow him one shilling per
day —
Colonel Jacobus Van Schoonhoven having at the request
of this Board sent us Frederick Coonradt ordered on
examining him that he procure surety for his Good behaviour
and appearance when called upon —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 13* July 1780 '78o
Present
Mathew Visscher ) J Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j ( John M. Beeckman
Whereas it has been suggested to this Board that Jacob
A. Lansing of this County who was confined by the Magis-
458 State of New York
Till780 trates °f tn*s City for assisting & encouraging the subjects
of this State to go over & join the enemy and Robert Adams
of Johnstown in Tryon County intend to remove themselves
by writs of Habeas Corpus before the Honorable Robert
Yates Esq- [155] in order to their being bailed and as it
is highly necessary at this time that they [the] said Jacob A.
Lansing & Robert Adams should be continued in their
present confinement —
Therefore ordered that a Mittimus be made out to the
Goaler to detain and keep them in his Custody untill dis
charged by any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
The examination of Barnet Van Vranken and Flemin
High by taken by Col- Van Schoonhoven were laid before the
board respecting the conduct of the inhabitants of Newtown
ordered that the same be filed —
Lieu- Colonel Henry K. Van Rensselaer informed the
Board that he last night had sent to Goal William Hutton
as a Person whose going at large might be dangerous to the
safety of the State that the said William Hutton has made
use of threats against the Court Martial appointed to try him
for Neglect of duty and says he is determined not to take
up arms in defence of the country —
In Consequence of which information he was brought
before the Board & examined and recommitted —
Lieu- CoP Rensselaer also informed the Board that he
has confined John Armstrong, Thomas Blewer, Andries
Stoll, Andries Weger, and Christian Crow, as dangerous
and disaffected persons and prays that they may be continued
in confinement —
Ordered that .he be informed that this Board will not
liberate them untill they have given Collonel Rensselaer
a previous intimation of it —
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 459
[156] Met Albany 14^ July 1780 1780
Present
Samuel Stringer ) j John M. Beeckman
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Mathew Visscher
Frederick Bonestel having been by the former Board of
Commissioners for Conspiracies liberated from confinement
on entering into a Recognizance for his Good behaviour and
monthly appearance and the sum for which the said recog
nizance was taken being too small on account of the depre
ciation of the Continental Money —
It is therefore ordered that the said Frederick Bonestel
enter into a new recognizance with a sufficient surety for his
future good behaviour and appearance before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required dur
ing the continuance of the Present war with Great Britain —
Frederick Bonestel of the Manor of Rens-
selaerwyck in the County of Albany Weaver
6n recognizance in £100
Anthony Abramse of the same place Yeoman
his Bail in £100
Adjourned -
Met Albany ic^ July 1780 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ( ( Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Christopher File having by the former Board of Commis
sioners for Conspiracies been liberated from [157] con
finement on entering into a recognizance for his good be
haviour & appearance on the last day of every month and the
sum for which the said recognizance was -taken being insuffi
cient on account of the depreciation of the Continental money
460 State of New York
1780 and Melchart File the Father of the said Christopher File
appearing this day before us and being desirous of becoming
surety for his son -
It is therefore ordered that the said Melchart File enter into
a recognizance for the future good Behaviour of the said
Christopher File and for his appearance before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Melchart File of Manor of Rensselaerwyck in
the County of Albany Farmer as Bail for
his son Christopher File in £100
Whereas from the frequent complaints that have been
exhibited to this Board respecting the conduct of a number
of the Inhabitants of Newtown it is become necessary that
some rigerous measure should be adopted to bring them to a
sence of their duty and to confine such of them as are most
dangerous and as it is probable that the Board will receive
better information respecting their conduct by opening a
Board a[t] New Town —
It is therfore resolved that there be a meeting of the Board
at Newtown and Stillwater on Tuesday next and that a
Letter be wrote to Major Taylor informing him of the same &
requesting his Attendence there at that time -
Adjourned —
1780 [X58] Met Albany 17^ July 1780-
Julyi7' Present
John M. Beeckrnan [ j Isaac D. Fond?
Samuel Stringer \ ( Mathew Visscher
John Meyer having been heretofore bound by a recog
nizance for his good behaviour and appearance when called
and appearing this day according to Notification -
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 461
Ordered that he enter into a new recognizance for his *?8°
July 17.
future good behaviour and appearance before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon during
the continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
John Meyer of East district of the Manor of
Rensselaerwyck Labourer in £100
Jacob Springer of the same place his Bail in £100
Amaziah Winstone of Kings district appeared before the
Board and informed that by virtue of a warrant directed to
him by Mathew Adgate Esq-j Justice of the peace he had
apprehended Joel Pratt and Hezekiah Hammond whom he
had ready to produce to the Board ordered that they be
brought in and examined —
Joel Pratt and Hezekiah Hammond being examined say
they mean not to take up arms in defence of the Country
whereupon ordered that they be confined and that a Mittimus
be made out to the Goaler to take them into his custody —
John Todd was brought before the Board and [159] ex
amined and then recommitted —
Peter Crapole who was also examined and then recom
mitted —
Resolved that a letter be wrote to Mathew Adgate Esqi
suggesting to him a proper mode of conduct towards the
people called shaking Quakers which letter is in the words
following (to wit) (see copy letter on the file)
Received a letter from Mathew Adgate Esq- Justice of the
peace dated 14th day of July instant respecting Joel Pratt
and Hezekiah Hammond which letter is in the words fol
lowing (to wit) (see letter on the file)
Egbert Ostrander having been heretofore bound by
recognizance and appearing this day according to notification
to enter into a new recognizance —
Ordered that he enter into the same for his future good
462 State of New York
1780 behaviour and appearance before any three of the Commis
sioners for Conspiracies when called upon during the con
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Egbert Ostrander of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Yeoman in £100
Jacob Ostrander of the same place Yeoman
his Bail in £100
Nicholas Van Valkenburgh, Hendrick Kittle, and Jacobus
Moll having been committed for disaffection to the American
cause and they having severally promised to be of good
behaviour in future -
It is therefore resolved that they be severally discharged
on entering into a Recognizance for their future good be
haviour and appearance before any three [160] of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the continuance of the present war with Great Britain and
also for their appearance at the next supream Court of
Judicature to be held at the City Hall in this City on the last
[sic] in July instant (or wheresoever the said Court shall be
held in the State of New York) and not depart the Court
without Leave -
Hendrick Kittle of Schodack Yeoman in £200
Nicholas Van Valkenburgh of the same
place Yeoman in £200
Jacobus A. Moll of D? D? £200
Johannis Kittle of D- Bail in £200
Johannis J. Muller of D? Bail in £200
Adjourned —
Met Albany i8l.h July 1780
July8i8. Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer \ ( Mathew Visscher
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 463
Tames Robbins appearing before the Board according to 1780
•£ • j [ u -ui • u July i8-
notification ordered that he appear as soon as possible with
a sufficient person as his surety to enter into a recognizance —
James Akins having been heretofore bound by recog
nizance and appearing this day according to order with
Neil McNeil as his surety —
Ordered that he enter into a recognizance of anew for his
future good behaviour and appearance before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there unto
required during the continuance of the present war [161]
with Great Britain —
James Atkins of Pits Town in the County of
Albany Yeoman in £100
Neil McNeil of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Yeoman his Bail
in £100
Adjourned —
Met Albany 19* July 1780 -
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher ) ( Samuel Stringer
Martin Galer having been heretofore bound by recog
nizance and appearing this day according to notification to
enter into a new recognizance —
Resolved that he enter into the same for his future good
behaviour and appearance before any three of the Commis
sioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the
continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Martin Galer of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. ... £100
John Shaver of the same place Farmer his Bail
in.. £100
464 State of New York
1780 Nicholas Michael having also been bound by recogniz-
July 19. , . ,
ance & appearing this day to enter into a new recognizance
Ordered that he enter into the same for his future good
Behaviour and appearance before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required dur
ing the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
Nicholas Michael of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Innkeeper ..in. £100
Jurie Michael of the same place his Bail in. £100
[162] Davis Michael also appearing to enter a new Re
cognizance —
Ordered that he enter into the same for his future good
Behaviour and appearance before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
David Michael of the East District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Labourer in £100
Nicholas Michael of the same place Innkeeper
his Bail in £100
Colin Gibson and Nicholas Halenbeeck who did on the
29- day of June last become surety for the good behaviour
and appearance of John Blackley came this day and sur
rendered the said John Blackley in discharge of the recog
nizance by them entered into and the said John Blackley
being desirous of engaging as a soldier in the three months
service
It is resolved that the said Colin Gibson and Nicholas
Halenbeeck be accordingly discharged from their Recog
nizance and that the said John Blackley have leave to en
list as aforesaid —
l
Adjourned -
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 465
Met Albany 21- Tuly 1780 I78o
Present July 2I"
John M. Beeckman ) ( T • i w r>
o i n • ) Jeremiah Van Kensselaer
bamuel Stringer ) (
Received a Letter from Hugh Mitchell Esq- dated this
day at Schenectady informing that a number of tories have
been apprehended and brought to that [163] place and
requesting a copy of the oath to be taken by the Commis
sioners for Conspiracies in order that Ryneir Mynderse &
Abraham Outhout Esq-s who have been lately appointed
to that Office might be Qualified —
Ordered in consequence of the said Letter that a copy of
the oath be made out & transmitted to the said Hugh
Mitchell and that the said Commissioners be requested from
time to time to transmit to this Board such information as
they may receive & that this Board will afford them every
assistance in their Power towards carrying into Execution
such plans as they may think expedient to adopt to promote
the public good -
Adjourned -
Met Albany 22^ July 1780—
Present
John M. Beeckman ^ ( T . , w n
•L ^ I Jeremiah Van Kensselaer
Isaac D. i^onda V •< J i o •
__. . bamuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher j (
Jacob Kidney the door Keeper appearing informed us
that agreeable to the warrant of this Board he had appre
hended George Rodgers ordered that he be confined and
hat a Mittimus be made out for him —
John Nightingale having been apprehended by order of
this Board as a disaffected person ordered that a mittimus
be made out for him —
466 State of New York
1780 The Board of Commissioners who by a resolution of this
July 22.
Board were to meet at Newtown or Stillwater having re
turned reported that the[y] had on the 19- Instant opened
a Board at Stillwater which they had continued untill the
[164] 2O*h Instant and that they had on the first day of
the said Meeting Sent for Major's Taylor and Dickerson
to consult what Persons to send for to be examined and
which to apprehend - - That upon consultation they agreed
to summons Elias Delong, Flemon Higby, Barent Van Der
Werken, William Williams, Jotham Bemus, John Bemus,
Richard Collins, and Moses Hunter and accordingly made
out summons's and delivered them to Major Taylor that
they made out a warrant to apprehend Jacob Heemstraet,
John Rose and Nathaniel James directed to Lieu- Joseph
Cook and delivered to Major Taylor —
That they examined the following persons (to wit) Moses
Hunter, Jotham Bemus, Jaddiah Millard, William Williams,
Peter Van Camp, Jacob Heemstraet, Flemon Higby, Marytie
Scut, Barent Van Der Werken, Robert Todd, and Amos Moore
and reduced their Examinations to writing and that they are in
the following words (to wit) (see Examinations on the file) —
That on the second day of said meeting being the 20-
Instant they had bound the following Persons in Recog
nizance's for their good behaviour doing their duty and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con
spiracies when thereunto required during the Continuance
of the present war with Great Britain -
Stephen Hooper of New Town Farmer in.. . £100
Simon Van Camp of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ............................. £100
John Hooper of New Town Farmer in ..... £100
Francis Waggoner of the same place Farmer
his Bail in. . £100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 467
[165] Joseph Devall of New Town Farmer in. £100
Stephen Hooper of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ............................. £100
Joseph Conklin of New Town Farmer in. . . £100
Dirck Heemstraet Jun- of the same place
Farmer his Bail in ...................... £100
James Conklin of New Town Farmer in. ... £100
Dirck Heemstraet of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ............................. £100
John A. Conklin of New Town Farmer in. . £100
William Bartin of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ................................ £100
Peter Van Campen of New Town Farmer in £100
Hendrick Brevoort of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ............................. £ 50
Stephen Ladue of the same place Farmer also
his Bail ........................ in ..... £ 50
John Vincent of New Town Farmer in ..... £100
Nicholas Teachout of the same place Farmer
his Bail ........................ in ..... £100
Amos Moore of New Town Farmer in ..... £300
William Williams Jun- of New Town Farmer
in ................................... £100
Williams Williams of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ............................. £100
Ordered that a Letter1 be wrote to his Excellency Gov
ernor Clinton inclosing him a copy of Peter Van Campen's
Examination taken at Newtown which letter is in the fol
lowing words (to wit) (see draught Letter on the file)
Adjourned —
'In George Clinton Papers, no. 3094, archives of New York State Library
468 State of New York
1780 Met Albany 23d July 1780-
July 23. Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( c i c •
J \ Samuel Stringer
J eremiah Van Rensselaer ) (
Received a letter from Hugh Mitchell, Ryneir Mynderse,
and Abraham Outhout Esq- Commissioners for Conspira
cies at Schenectady dated the 22-d Instant wherein [166]
they inform us that they send under Guard fourteen Persons
some of whom they have had apprehended on their way to
the enemy and others had forwarded and supplied them with
provisions whose names are as follows Viz- Josepfh] Warner,
Jacob Ball, John Ball, Peter Snyder, Christian Sea, Chris
topher Warner, Nicholas Sea, Andrew Loucks, Richard Scher-
merhorn, Bartholemew Schermerhorn, Jacob Seybert, George
Shamon, Frederick Wheeler, and John Broacham, which Let
ter is in the following words, (to wit) (see letter on the file) —
Ordered that a Mittimus be made out for the above men
tioned Persons —
Received also another letter from the said Commissioners
dated at Schenectady 22-d Instant wherein they inform us
that they also send to us under Guard three other Persons
who they have caused to be apprehendfed] whose names are
Jacob Man, William Loucks, and John Jost Warner which
Letter is in the following words (to wit) (see letter on file)
Ordered that a Mittimus be made out for them
It having been suggested to this Board that James Lud-
low who last Winter came from New York and is at present
at Kinderhook by his conduct gives great reason to suspect
that he is guilty of some evil Practice against the State
therefore ordered that a Letter be wrote to Major Isaac
Goes at Kinderhook requesting him immediately to send to
this Board the said James Ludlow —
Adjourned -
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 469
Met Albany 24- July 1780
Present
[167] John M. Beeckman ) ( ~ . ~ .
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) '
Whereas frequent complaints have been made by sundry
of the well affected inhabitants of this County that John
Partherton, William Lees, and Ann Standerren, by their
conduct and conversation disturb the publick peace and
are daily dissuading the friends to the American cause from
taking up Arms in defence of their Liberties —
Therefore ordered that a warrant be made out to Jacob
Kidney forthwith to apprehend the said John Partherton,
William Lees, and Ann Standerren and bring them before us
and that he be authorized in case of any resistance to call
to his assistance such a number of men as he may conceive
necessary to carry the said warrant into Execution —
The Board having received information that Thomas
Wood Jun- who has been concerned in a number of rob
beries is lately come from New York and is now in and
about his place of abode —
Thereupon resolved that a letter be wrote to Cap- Jacob
De Freest1 requesting him to collect a Party of Men and
endeavour to apprehend the said Thomas Wood JunT —
Adjourned -
Met Albany 25* July 1780 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T T^ T- i
« i « • ) Isaac D. Fonda
bamuei Stringer ) (
William Davis appeared before the Board and informed
us that in conversation with Mathewis Van Valkenburgh
1 De Forest.
470 State of New York
1780 [X58] the ^id Valkenburgh professed himself a subject to
King George and that he intended to remain so and said
that his cause was a just one —
Ordered that the above information be reduced to writing
and that the same be taken into consideration
It having been suggested to the Board by Lieu- Col- Henry
K Van Rensselaer that David Henry formerly an Officer in
Col- Livingston's Regiment and now residing at the New City
is able to give some very material Information concerning
Abraham Ja: Lansing and some other disaffected Persons —
It is therefore resolved that a Citation be made out for
the said David Henry to appear forthwith before this Board
and that the said Citation be sent to Cap- Christopher Till-
man at New City in order to its being served —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 26-h Julr '78°
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T T^ T? j
J I ] Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel btnnger ) (
Jacob Kidney appeared before the Board and informed
us that he had agreeable to the warrant issued to him on
the 24*h Instant apprehended John Partherton, William
Lees, Ann Standerren and that he had also apprehended
James Whiteacre, Calven Harlow, and Mary Parthington,
whom he found in Company with them and it appearing
that they have also been guilty of the like Practices with
the above named Persons -
[169] It is therefore resolved that they be severally interro
gated whether they are principled against taking up Arms
in defence of the American cause and whether they have
not endeavoured to influence other persons against taking up
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 471
arms to which Questions they having severally answered in J78o
the affirmative resolved thereupon that they be committed
and that a Mittimus be made out for them —
Received a Letter1 from his Excellency Governor Clinton
dated Poughkeepsie the 24— Instant which Letter is in the
following words (to wit) (see Letter on file)
James Bramley appeared before the Board & informed
us that he had been ordered by the Commissioners for Con
spiracies at Schenectady to remove his family to this place
and Surrender himself up to this Board and he in Conse
quence of the said order appearing this day and avowing his
principles as a person disaffected to the American cause —
Therefore ordered that the said James Bramley be informed
that it is the determination of this Board that he procure by
Friday next a Freeholder to become his Surety for his good
Behaviour and appearance before us when called upon —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 27* July 1780 - -g*
Present
Samuel Stringer ) ( T u iv/r D i
TX T* * r i Jonn M. Beeckman
Isaac D. Fonda ) (
David Henry agreeable to the Citation sent to Cap-
Christopher Tillman this day appearing ordered [170] that
he be examined as to the conduct of John Todd and John
Gibson who are now confined in Goal —
The said David Henry being Examined saith as follows
(to wit) (see Examination on file)
Ordered thereupon that the said David Henry be
discharged —
Adjourned -
1 In George Clinton Papers, no. 3094, archives of New York State Library
472 State of New York
Met Albany zS^ July 1780 —
Present
John M Beeckman ) j H h Mitchdl
Samuel Stringer ) (
Hugh Mitchell Esqf. laid before the Board the examina
tions of the prisoners sent to Goal by the Schenectady Com
missioners ordered that the same be filed —
A Letter was laid before the Board from Philip Pell
Esq- Commissary of State Prisoners dated 30— June 1780
respecting Henry Van Schaack, David Van Schaack, Lam
bert Burgert, Mathew Goes Jun!, John D. Goes, and Dirck
Gardinier which Letter is in the following words (to wit)
(see letter on file)
Ordered that the Subject of the above Letter be taken
into Consideration -
It having been suggested to this Board that Simon Viele
of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck is able to give some very
material information respecting Peter Cohoon who was some
time ago committed as a spy from the enemy Ordered
therefore that he be sent for and examined —
Simon Viele appearing agreeable to order [171] and being
examined under oath saith as follows (see Examination on
file)
Ordered that the said Simon Viele enter into a Recog
nizance to appear at the next supream Court of Judicature
to be held at the City Hall in this City on the third Tues
day in October next (or wheresoever the said Court shall
then be held) to testify to such Matters as he may know
concerning Peter Cohoon and not to depart the Court with
out Leave —
Simon Viele of the west District of Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in £400
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 473
It being the Opinion of this Board that the imprisonment
of Peter Ten Broeck and William Bowen Prisoners of war
(who have been heretofore released from confinement by a
former Board of Commissioners for Conspiracies) will tend
to expedite their Exchange —
Therefore resolved that an Order be made out & sent to
them to appear before us on Monday the 7- day of August
next -
Adjourned -
Met Albany 2Q^h July 1780 — T78°
Present JlUy *9'
John M. Beeckman ) (
Samuel Stringer ) (
Samuel Baker residing in the East District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck being suspected of having a connection
with some disaffected inhabitants of this County was ordered
to appear before the Board on his appearing and being
examined under Oath and declaring himself [172] innocent
of the charge therefore ordered that he be discharged —
Peter Seeger was sent for on information given to this
Board that he is able to give some Material Evidence con
cerning Peter Cohoon who is now confined in Goal as a
spy from the Enemy —
Ordered that he be examined and that his Examination
be reduced to writing which is in the words following (to
wit) (See Examination on file)
Ordered also that the said Peter Seeger enter into a Re
cognizance to appear at the next supream Court of Judicature
to be held at the City Hall in this City on the third Tuesday
in October next (or wheresoever the said Court shall be
held) to give Evidence on the Part of the people of this
State and not to depart the Court without leave —
474 State of New York
1780 Peter Seeger of the west District of the
July 29.
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Labourer in. £400 —
Adjourned —
Jxdy^o. Met Alban7 3°th Jul7 I78° -
Present
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( T TA T- i
A/i L w i ) Isaac V. .bonda
Mathew Visscher ) (
Information having been exhibited to this Board by Gerrit
Heyer of this City that on Wednesday last three men came
up the River in a Batteau one of whom he supposed to be
Thomas Man the other the son of Patrick Ryan living on
the Green Island both of which persons have been with the
Enemy for some time past and there being a probability of
the said persons being at the House of [173] the said Patrick
Ryan —
Therefore ordered that a Letter be wrote to Cap- Christo
pher Tillman requesting him to take a Party of Men and
endeavour to apprehend them —
Lucas Moore of Saragtoga having about a Year since made
his escape from the Goal in this City where he was confined
for having been with the Enemy and being apprehended &
brought before us on a suspicion of guiding a Party of
Tories from Newtown who were on their way to join the
Enemy and he professing himself a Prisoner of war there
fore ordered that he be confined and that a mittimus be
made out to the Sheriff to take him into his Custody -
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 3 Ist July 1780
July 31- Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( c , c .
_^ _ « Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 475
Agreeable to the request made by this Board to Major ^8°^
Isaac Goes of Kinderhook on the 23d instant to send to us
for Examination James Ludlow and the said James Lud-
low appearing and being Examined and having satisfied
the Board that the charges alledged against him are
without Foundation it is therefore ordered that he be
discharged —
The Board proceeded to the consideration of an Affidavit
of Susannah Parie taken before Johannis Van Deusen Esqr.
wherein the said Susannah Parie charges Angus M- Donald
and Doctor Thompson of Livingston's Manor with having
harboured British Officers from Canada on their [174] way
to New York and secreting persons who had been concerned
in Robberies which affidavit was transmitted to the former
Board of Commissioners for Conspiracies —
Resolved on Consideration of the said Affidavit that
Citations be made out for the said Doctor Thompson &
Angus McDonald to appear before this Board on Monday
the seventh day of August next and that the said Citations
be inclosed in a Letter and sent to Johannis Van Dusen Esqr
requesting him to have them served on the said McDonald
and Doctor Thompson —
Application was made to the Board by John Lansing
Jun- Esq- in favour of Robert Adams of Johnstown now
confined in Goal by an order of this Board requesting his
liberation —
Ordered that he be informed that the Board cannot in
the present critical situation of Public affairs consent to his
Enlargement —
Isaac D. Fonda Esq- informed the Board that he has
received information that Andrew Bowman, John F. Cluet,
Hendrick Kerkner, Jacob Kerkner, and a certain man
named Frederick a step son of Michael HufF all residing
476 State of New York
Tul780i m ^ie ^est District °f the Manor of Rensselaerwyck are
preparing to go Off and join the Enemy -
Resolved in Consequence of the said Information that a
warrant be made out directed to Cap- Ostrum Authorizing
him forthwith to apprehend the said persons and bring
them before us —
Adjourned —
Albany if* August 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( c , c .
•i . T_ •< Samuel Stringer
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) (
Richard Langley a Prisoner of war taken at Stoney
point who was some time ago confined in Goal by Richard
Esselstyne Esq- was brought before the Board and examined
his Examination is in the following words (to wit) (see
examination on file)
The Board taking into consideration the Letter received
from Philip Pell Esq- Commissary of state Prisoners on
the 28- Ultimo do in consequence thereof -
Resolve that an order be made out and sent to Henry
Van Schaack, David Van Schaack, Lambert Burghert,
Mathew Goes Jun- John D. Goes, and Dirck Gardinier to
prepare and hold themselves in readiness to be removed to
the Goal in Goshen in Orange County by the 15- day of this
month where they are to remain as Prisoners untill exchanged
for some of the inhabitants of this State at present in the
power of the Enemy —
Also resolved that an order be sent to Peter Ten Broeck
who was liberated from his confinement by the former
Board of Commissioners for Conspiracies to prepare him
self and be in readiness on the 15^? day of this month
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies
to be removed to the Goal in Goshen in the County of AI78°
Aug. i.
Orange —
Doctor George Smith of this City being charged with
forwarding Peter Cohoon a spy from the Enemy through the
Country and the said Peter Cohoon having under Oath [176]
charged him therewith —
It is therefore ordered that Jacob Kidney be ordered
forthwith to apprehend the said George Smith and convey
him to the Goal in this City and that the Goaler be ordered to
take him into his Custody and closely confine him —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 2^ August 1780 — 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) ( Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
A Letter from Philip Pell Esq^ Commissary of state
Prisoners was laid before the Board dated Poughkeepsie
27*h Ultimo wherein he request's us to cause Henry Van
Schaack, David Van Schaack, Cornelius Van Schaack,
Lambert Burghart, John D. Goes, Mathew Goes Jun-
Dirck Gardineir, & Jacob Legrange, to be sent down to
Fishkill under the care of an Officer of the levies which
letter is in the following words (to wit) (see letter on
file)-
Ordered in consequence of the said letter that the resolu
tions of this Board of Yesterday with respect to Henry
Van Schaack, David Van Schaack, Lambert Burghart,
John D. Goes, Mathew Goes Jun- and Dirck Gardineir be
rescinded and that they be severally ordered to appear before
us on Saturday the fifth instant —
Also resolved that the resolution of Yesterday with respect
478 State of New York
1780 to Peter Ten Broeck be and is hereby rescinded and that
A iior 2
the said Peter Ten Broeck be ordered to appear before
this Board on Monday the y^h day of August Instant —
[177] Resolved that an Order be sent to Major Zadock
Wright (a Prisoner of war who was confined by this Board to
Kings District) to appear before us on Saturday the 5-
Instant in order that he may be removed to Fishkill to be
there delivered over to Philip Pell Esqr. Commissary of
State Prisoners to be exchanged —
Resolved also that an order be sent to Martin Crum of
Claverack who refused to take the oath tendered agreeable to
an act of the Legislature of this State to persons of Neutral
and Equivocal characters to appear before this Board on
monday the 7— instant in order that he may be removed to
Fishkill to be there delivered over to the Commissary of
State Prisoners —
Andries Stoll who was some time ago committed to Goal
as a dangerous and disaffected person was brought before
the Board and we having certain information that his wife
is in a very distressed situation without the benefit of any
aid or assistance and expecting shortly to be brought to bed
the Board do therefore on Consideration thereof resolve
that the said Andries Stoll be released from his confinement
on his entering into a Recognizance with a sufficient surety
for his appearance when called upon by any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies and for his good Behaviour
and doing his duty as a good and faithfull subject of the
State during the continuance of the present war with Great
Britain
Andries Stoll of the East District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Blacksmith in £100
Abram Robison of the same place Farmer
his Bail in.. £100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies
It having appeared to the Board that Alexander Outhout
who was confined by the Magistrates of this [178] City
for attempting to go off and join the Enemy was persuaded
thereto by Doctor Johnson and others and that no danger
is to be apprehended from him on account of his Youth &
inexperience; therefore ordered that he be released on
Alexander Bulson entering into a recognizance for the said
Alexander Outhout' s appearing before this Board when
called upon & for his good behaviour and doing his duty
as a good and faithful subject of the State during the con
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain and also for
his appearance at the next Supream Court of Judicature
to be held at the City Hall in this City on the third Tues
day in October next and not to depart the Court without
Leave —
Alexander Bulson of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck on Recognizance
as Bail for Alexander Outhout in £100
The Board having received information that Doctor George
Smith who was Yesterday confined by order of this Board
is dangerously ill and that a continuance of his present
confinement may endanger his life —
It is therefore ordered that he be discharged on his entering
into a Recognizance with a sufficient surety for his appear
ance before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required and for his good Behaviour until!
discharged by this Board —
George Smith of the City of Albany Phy
sician in £100
Patrick Smith of the same place Merchant
his Bail in £100
Adjourned -
480 State of New York
Au78° [*79] Met Albany 3^ August 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher ) ( Samuel Stringer
John Ryley appeared before the Board and informed that
he had apprehended Jacob Smith and Jacob Dymont for
Stealing two Horses from Frederick Barringar, that in his
way to said Barringar's he was overtaken by Marcus Dymont
who offered him a sum of money to let the said Jacob Smith
and Jacob Dymont make their Escape and that afterwards
the said Jacob Smith & Jacob Dymont struck him the said
John Ryley on the head and by that means made their escape
in which they were assisted by the said Marcus Dymont
and the said Marcus Dymont being a Person disaffected
to the American Cause Thereupon resolved that a warrant
be made out directed to Philip Herwig commanding him
with the assistance of six men to apprehend the said Jacob
Smith, Jacob Dymont, and Marcus Dymont and bring them
before us —
The said John Ryley was Examined as to Nicholas Van
Valkenburgh which Examination is in the following words
(to wit) (see examination on file)
It appearing probable to this Board from the intimacy
of Samuel Kitcham with Doctor Johnson that the said
Kitcham was knowing to the said Johnsons intention of
going off to the Enemy it is therefore ordered that he be
Examined under oath -
The said Samuel Kitcham being Examined and declaring
himself ignorant of the said Doctor Johnson's [180] inten
tions thereupon ordered that he be discharged —
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 481
Met Albany 4^ August 1780 — Ar?8o
r> 6 ' Aug. 4.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( c i o •
; < Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) (
Samuel Stringer Esq- one of the Members of this Board
informed that he had caused to be apprehended & brought
before him a certain John Ryley as being a Suspicious
person that he had examined him and on finding by his own
Confession that he is a Prisoner of war had committed him to
Goal Resolvefd] that the above procedure be approved of
and that a mittimus be made out for the said John Ryley -
Christopher Warner one of the prisoners sent down by the
Schenectady Commissioners was brought before the Board
and examined —
Resolved that he be liberated from his confinement on
Hendrick Warner of the Bever Dam entering into a recogni
zance for the good behaviour and personal appearance of the
said Christopher Warner before any three of the Commis
sioners for Conspiracies and for doing his duty as a good
and faithfull subject of this State during the continuance of
the present War with Great Britain —
Hendrick Warner of the Bever Dam in the
County of Albany Farmer on Recogni
zance as Bail for Christopher Warner in £"100
Adjourned —
[181] Met Albany ^ August 1780 1780
Aug. 5*
Present
John M. Beeckman } ( T T^ T- j
-> Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher > 4 T • ITT -n i
_ . ( ) Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
Samuel Stringer ; (
482 State of New York
Resolved that an order be made out and directed to John
Decker Robison & Bastian Beam of Livingston's Manor
who became surety for the appearance of John Smith
before this Board when called upon to deliver up to this
board the said John Smith on or before the sixteenth
day of August Instant and that they be informed that
unless this order is complied with their recognizance will
be prosecuted —
Major Zadock Wright appeared before the Board agree
able to the order of the 2-d Instant —
Resolved that the said Zadock Wright enter into a Parole
to proceed to Fishkill and on the 15- Instant Surrender him
self a Prisoner at that place to Philip Pell Esq- Commissary
of State Prisoners which parole is in the following words
(to wit) (see Parole on file) —
Henry Van Schaack, David Van Schaack and Mathew
Goes Jun- who on the 2— d instant was cited to appear before
us appeared this day according to order —
It is resolved that they respectively enter into a Parole
to repair to Fishkill and on the Ist [or 16th]1 day of September
next surrender themselves prisoner's at that place to Philip
Pell Esq? Commissary of State Prisoners which parole is in
the following words (to wit) (see Parole on file)
Resolved that Jacobus Ostrander be liberated from [182]
confinement on his entering into a Recognizance with suf
ficient sureties for his future good Behaviour for his appear
ance before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required and doing his duty as a faithful
subject of the state during the Continuance of the present
war with Great Britain
Jacobus Ostrander of Newtown in the County
of Albany Farmer in ................... £100
» Date altered and ambiguous.
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 483
Abraham Douw of the City of Albany Gentle- 1780
man his Bail in £ 50 Aug' 5'
Abraham Bogart of the same place Cord-
wainer also his Bail in £ 50
Adjourned —
Met Albany 8^ August 1780—
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( c . n •
•L / \ Samuel Stringer
eremiah Van Rensselaer > K T TN -c* j
;,,,,., ( Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher (
A Letter from Doctor George Smith dated the 7- instant
was laid before the Board wherein he request's to be sent to
New York or exchanged which letter is in the following
words (to wit) (see letter on file)
Ordered that he be informed that the subject of his
Letter will be taken into Consideration at some future day —
It having been represented to this Board that James
Halstead of Nistageuna is a Person who is disaffected to the
American cause and that he has harboured and secreted
persons going over to the Enemy —
Therefore resolved that a warrant be made out directed to
John Tillman to apprehend the Said James [183] Halstead
and forthwith bring him before us -
Resolved that John Ostrander be liberated from Confine
ment on his entering into a recognizance for his future good
behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon during
the continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
John Ostrander of Newtown in the County
of Albany Farmer in £100
Jacob Heemstraet of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
484 State of New York
1780 It having been represented to this Board that it will be
necessary for Henry Van Schaack, David Van Schaack and
Mathew Goes Jun- to be down at Fishkill at an earlier day
than is specified by their Parole therefore resolved that they
be ordered to be at Fishkill on the 2O*h instant -
The Board having received information that there is at
present at Newtown a Person who is industriously circulating
reports through the Country tending to injure the American
cause which Person is a son in Law to John Concklin —
Resolved that Major Ezekiel Taylor be requested to have
him apprehended forthwith and sent to us —
Adjourned —
*78o Met Albany 9^ August 1780 -
Present
John M. Beeckman \ ( Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer >- -< Hugh Mitchell
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
[184] Resolved that a Letter be wrote to Philip Pell Esqr.
Commissary of State Prisoners respecting Henry Van Schaack,
David Van Schaack, and other prisoners of war which Letter
is in the following words (to wit) (see letter on file)
Richard Schermerhorn of Schenectady who was confined
by the Commissioners of that place for being concerned with
a party that intended to go off and join the enemy was brought
before the Board and on his Examination appearing candid
and open in his answers to the Questions proposed to him -
Therefore resolved that he be liberated from confinement
on his entering into a recognizance with a sufficient surety
for his good behaviour doing his duty when required and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con
spiracies when called for during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain -
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 485
Richard Schermerhorn of Schenectady La-
i •
bourer in
Jacob Schermerhorn of the same place
Farmer his Bail in £500
Resolved that Christian Sea be liberated from Confinement
on his entering into a Recognizance with a sufficient surety
for his good behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the continuance of the present
war with Great Britain -
Christian Sea of the Bever Dam in the County
of Albany Farmer on recognizance in £100
William Dietz of the Hellebergh in the County
aforesaid Farmer his Bail in £100
[185] John Tillman appeared before the Board and
informed us that he had apprehended James Halstead
agreeable to our warrant issued on the 10- instant and that
he had him ready to produce to us, whereupon resolved that
the said James Halstead be examined his Examination is in
the following words (to wit) (See Examination on file) -
Adjourned -
Met Albany 10^ August 1780 . X78o
r, 6 ' Aug. 10.
Present
John M. Beeckman | j Isaac D. Fonda
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer j ( Mathew Visscher
Resolved that Christian Cray be liberated from his con
finement on entering into a recognizance with a surety
for his good behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the continuance of the present war
with Great Britain —
486 State of New York
10
Christian Cray of the East District of the
Mano[r] of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. . . £100
Archilaus Lynd of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ............................. £100
Bartholemew Schermerhorn of Schenectady who was
confined by order of the Commissioners for Conspiracies at
Schenectady was brought before the Board and Hugh
Mitchell Esq- one of the said Commissioners being of
opinion that the said Bartholemew Schermerhorn may with
safety be liberated from Confinement —
Therefore resolved that he be discharged on entering
into a recognizance with a sufficient surety for his good
behavi- [i86]our doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there
unto required during the Continuance of the present war
with Great Britain —
Bartholemew Schermerhorn of Schenectady
Farmer in ............................. £500
Ryer Schermerhorn of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ............................. £500
Frederick Weller of the District of Schenectady having
also been confined by the Commissioners for Conspiracies
at Schenectady was brought before the Board ordered
that he be discharged on entering into a recognizance with
a sufficient surety for his good Behaviour doing his duty
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when thereunto required during the continuance
of the present war with Great Britain
Frederick Weller of the District of Sche
nectady Labourer in .................... £200
Johannis Weller of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ............................. £200
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 487
Resolved that John Broachim be liberated from confine- J78o
. . ^ . . , ~ . Aug. 10.
ment on entering into a Recognizance with a sufficient surety
for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the continuance of the present war
with Great Britain -
John Broachim of the District of Schenectady
Farmer in £200
Ryer Schermerhorn of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £200
Johannis Weller of the same place Farmer
also his Bail in £200
Adjourned —
[187] Met Albany 11^ August 1780 -
Present
John M Beeckman | j Samud ^
Jereimah Van Rensselaer V ^ ^ D Fon(Ja
Mathew Visscher (
Abraham Jacob Lansing appeared before this Board
according to our order resolved that he enter into a recog
nizance for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appear
ing before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
Abraham Jacob Lansing of Lansingburgh
in the County of Albany Farmer in £500
Jacob Van Derheyden of the East District
of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck his Bail
in £500
D- Joseph Young appeared before the Board and informed
us that he had received information from James Marr of
488 State of New York
this City that a certain Peter Seeger who is now in Town
Aug. ii. ' . .
has mentioned some circumstances respecting the attack of
the enemy at Schohary from which he is led to suppose
that the said Peter Seeger has connection with the Enemy -
Therefore ordered that Jacob Kidney immediately appre
hend the said Peter Seeger and bring him before us -
Peter Seeger being brought before us and examined as
to the above informed us in what manner he had received
his information and the same being satisfactory ordered
that he be discharged —
Resolved that Samuel Stringer Esq1^ be requested to propose
John Tillman Jun- to raise and take the command of [188] a
Ranger Company to be under the direction of this Board -
William Pemberton who is charged with harbouring and
forwarding through the country Peter Cohoon a spy from
the Enemy appeared before the Board according to our
order and as the proof in support of the above charge is not
so full as to render his confinement necessary -
Therefore ordered that he enter into a Recognizance with
sufficient sureties for his good Behaviour doing his duty
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when thereunto required during the Con
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain -
William Pemberton of the City of Albany
Marriner in £5°°
William Charles of the same place Butcher
his Bail in £250
Wheeler Douglass of the same place Inn
keeper also his Bail in £250
Resolved that George Shannon be liberated from confine
ment on entering into a recognizance with a sufficient surety
for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 489
called upon during the continuance of the present war with
Great Britain -
George Shannon of the District of Schenec-
tady Farmer in £200
Johannis Shoemaker of the same place
Farmer his Bail in £200
John Nightingale who was confined for making use of
expressions tending to injure the American cause and being
of a suspicious character was brought before the Board and
it appearing that his Family are greatly distressed by the
[189] means of his confinement —
Therefore ordered that the said John Nigh[t]ingale be
liberated from his confinement on entering into a recog
nizance with a sufficient surety for his appearance before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called
upon for his good behaviour doing his duty and remaining
within the following Limits (to wit) to the north from his
house to the Schenectady Road to the west to Veeder's
Mill's to the south to the Norman's Creek and to the East
to Hudson's River during the continuance of the present war
with Great Britain unless called upon to do Militia duty-
John Nightingale of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Yeoman in. ... £100
Joshua Bloore of the City of Albany Merchant
his Bail in £100
Adjourned —
Met Albany I2^h August 1780 178°
-, J ' Aug. 12.
Present
John M. Beeckman "j ( M k V h
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer >• •< c , c .
J ( ) Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda
490 State of New York
1780 Resolved that Jacob Sybert be discharged from his con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing when called upon
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
during the continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
Jacob Sybert of the west District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Labourer in £100
Peter RadlifF of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Resolved that Peter Snyder be liberated from Con- [190]
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
Peter Snyder of the west District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Labourer in £100
Hendrick Snyder of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
The Board having received certain information that
William True for whose appearance Col! Abraham Van
Alstyne became surety is gone off to the Enemy —
Resolved that an order be made out to Col- Van Alstyne
to deliver up the said William True or pay the Amount of
the recognizance by him entered into for the said William
True —
Resolved that John Boyd who is surety for William
Ml^Auley deliver up the said M.^Auley in fourteen days from
this day -
The Board having received information that John Rodliff
and Arent Rodliff for whom Rykert Rodliff became surety
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 491
have refused to do Militia duty whereby they have forfeited AI78°
their Recognizance's therefore resolved that the said Rykert
Rodliff their Bail appear before this Board on Wednesday
next to shew cause why the said Recognizance's should not
be put in Suit —
It having been suggested to us that George Keneir of this
City is able to give information respecting several persons
that have lately gone off and joined the Enemy and the
said George Keneir being sent for appeared was examined
& then discharged —
[191] Resolved that Doctor George Smith and Joshua
Bloore be ordered to deliver up to this Board on or before
the 19- day of August instant Ebenezer Knap, Elisha Marsh,
Nicholas Schuyler, Nathan Lull & Joseph Lull for whose
appearance when called upon the said George Smith and
Joshua Bloore have become surety —
Resolved also that Joshua Bloore be ordered to deliver
up to this Board on or before the 19^ day of August instant
Barnabas Loughley for whose appearance the said Joshua
Bloore is surety —
Resolved that James Caldwell deliver up to this Board
on or before the 19- day of August instant Duncan MfCon-
nelly and John Maginness for whose appearance before us
when called upon he has become surety —
Also further resolved that Lewis Fotie deliver up Henry
J. Mesick on or before the 19— day of August instant agree
able to the Tenor of his Recognizance —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 13- August 1780 1780
Present Aug- 13'
John M. Beeckman ) ( c i c •
i _ •< Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher j (
492 State of New York
1780 Andries Bronck and [blank] Wells appeared before the
Board and informed us that being out on a scout by order
of Col1. Van Bergen towards Beesink they had taken Prisoner
a certain John Sheerman whom they suspected to be a spy
from the Enemy and one of those Tories who have some
time ago infested that part of the Country with continual
Robberies and the said John Sheerman being brought in
and examined says that he comes from Fishkill and was
when he was apprehended [192] on his way to his Family
who live near Schenectady Ordered that he be committed
and that a Mittimus be made out for him —
Adjourned
8o Met Albany 14* August 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( c , c .
i_ r •{ Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher j [
Andries Loucks one of the Prisoners now confined in
Goal by the Schenectady Commissioners was brought
before the Board and Examined ordered that he be
recommitted —
Resolved that Johan Jost Warner be liberated from con
finement on his entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour and appearing before any three of the Commis
sioners for Conspiracies when called upon during the con
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain and also for
his appearance at the next supream Court of Judicature to
be held on the third Tuesday in October next at the City
Hall in this City (or wheresoever the said Court shall then
be held) and not depart the Court without leave —
Johan Jost Warner of Schohary Farmer in. . £100
Christian Weaver of the same place Farmer
his Bail in. . .... £100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 493
Resolved that the said Johan Jost Warner enter into a T78o
recognizance for the appearance of his wife Margaret Warner
at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be held on the
third Tuesday in October next at the City Hall in this City
(or wheresoever the said Court shall then be held) and not
to depart the Court without leave —
Johan Jost Warner of Schohary Farmer on
Recoge as Bail for his wife Margaret
Warner in £200
Adjourned
[193] Met Albany 15- August 1780 1780
Aug. 15.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher j ( Samuel Stringer
Resolved that Robert Adams be discharged from confine
ment on his entering into a recognizance with sufficient
sureties for his future good Behaviour doing his duty and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con
spiracies when called upon during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
Robert Adams of Johnstown in Tryon County
Merchant in £200
Thomas Shipboy of the City of Albany
Merchant his Bail in £100
James Caldwell of the same place also his
Bail in £100
Resolved that Leonard Weger be liberated from confini-
ment on entering into a recognizance with a surety for his
future good behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies whenevefr]
494 State of New York
1780 called upon during the continuance of the present war with
Aug. 15 * . .
Great Britain —
Leonard Weger of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in £100
Jurie Francisko of Cooksborough in the
County of Albany Farmer his Bail in. ... £100
The Board having received information that Christopher
Hutt of the Bever Dam who is now in this City is by his
conduct and conversation daily endeavouring to injure the
American cause therefore resolved that he be immediately
apprehended by the door Keeper & confined & that a
Mittimus be made out for him -
Adjourned —
1780 [194] Met Albany 16^ August 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ] f T r> T- i
. _ . •< Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel btnnger J (
Resolved that an order be made out directed to Arent
N. Van Patten who became Bail for the appearance of
Johannis Staring of Tryon County to deliver up to this Board
the said Johannis Staring on or before the 26— day of August
instant —
Rykert RodlifF being on the 12- instant cited to appear
before the Board to shew cause why the Recognizance
entered into by the said Rykert RodlifF for his sons Arent
RodlifF and John RodlifF should not be put in suit as they
the said Arent and John RodlifF refused to do Militia duty
and the said Rykert RodlifF appearing and denying the
charge alledged against his sons therefore resolved that the
said Arent RodlifF & John RodlifF appear before this Board
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 495
on Friday the 18- day of August instant in order that they A T78o
u • j Aug< l6
may be examined as to the same —
James Halstead having on his examination informed the
Board that a certain Samuel Kid or Tid living with John
Duncan near Schenectady is able to give some very Material
information respecting Letters received by the said John
Duncan from the Enemy —
Resolved that a letter be wrote to Cap- Hendrick Ostrum to
have the said Samuel Kid apprehended and brought before us
as soon as possible that he may be Examined as to the above —
Adjourned —
[195] Met Albany 17^ August 1780 1780
Aug. 17.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f T ^ ~ ,
c , c . Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer (
Resolved that Joachim Van Slyck of Claverack who
became surety for the appearance of Bartholemew Van
Valkenburgh before this Board when called upon deliver up
the said Bartholemew Van Valkenburgh on or before the
23- day of August instant —
Lewis Fotie agreeable to the order of the 12 instant
appeared before the Board with Henry J. Mesick -
Resolved that the said Henry J. Mesick enter into a
recognizance of anew for his good Behaviour doing his duty
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when thereunto required during the continuance
of the present war with Great Britain -
Henry J. Mesick of the District of Claverack
Farmer in £500
Lewis Fotie of the City of Albany Baker
his Bail in £500
496 State of New York
^1780 Resolved that Jacob M. Vosburgh of Claverack District
who became surety for Dirck Vosburgh's appearance before
this Board when called upon deliver up the said Dirck
Vosburgh on or before the 23- day of August instant -
Resolved that Peter Van Valkenburgh of Claverack
District who became surety for Hendrick Skinkle's appear
ance before this Board when called upon deliver up the
said Hendrick Skinkle on or before the 23- day of August
instant —
The Board being of opinion that John Kluck of this
City is a dangerous and disaffected person and that his
going at large may prove of dangerous consequences to the
safety [196] of the State therefore resolved that Jacob Kidney
be ordered forthwith to apprehend the said John Kluck
and confine them —
There being reason to suspect that John M'rDole, Colin
Farguson & Peter Muir of this City are knowing and
accessary to several persons going ofF to the enemy there
fore resolved that they be immediately sent for -
John McDonald, Colin Farguson, & Peter Muir appearing
were examined on oath and returning Satisfactory Answers
to the Questions proposed they were discharged —
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 18^? August 1780
Aug. 18. Present
John M. Beeckman | j Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Mathew Visscher
Rykert Radliff agreeable to the order of the 16^ instant
appeared before the Board with his sons Arent RadlifF and
John RadlifF.
Resolved that the above mentioned John RadlifF enter
into a . Recognizance with a sufficient surety for his good
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 497
behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
John Radliff of the west District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Labourer in .......... £200
Rykert Radliff of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ................................ £200
The above mentioned Arent Radliff being under age
resolved that his Father Rykert Radliff enter into [197] a
Recognizance for him the same in every respect with that
entered into by his Brother John Radliff —
Rykert Radliff of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer on
Recognizance as Bail for his son Arent
Radliff in ............................. £200
Resolved that Jacob Halenbeeck Jun? of Klinkenbergh
be ordered forthwith to appear before the Board with a
sufficient surety to enter into a Recognizance of anew —
Resolved that Philip Cook, Peter Livingston Jun- , Wil-
helmas Dillenbeeck, and Jacob Fraligh be ordered to appear
before this Board on the 24- day of August instant agreeable
to the Tenor of their several Recognizance's —
Adjourned —
Met Albany i<j* August 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ] ( c « o •
^_ , •< Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) (.
Resolved that a letter be wrote to Hugh Mitchell Esq-r one
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies at Schenectady
498 State of New York
Aug^o re(luestmg him to send down to this Board William Bowen a
Prisoner of war in order to his being sent down to the Com
missary of state Prisoners for the purpose of an Exchange -
Bartholemewis Van Valkenburgh appearing according to
order to enter into a new Recognizance resolved that he be
bound for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
Bartholemewis Van Valkenburgh of the Dis
trict of Kinderhook Farmer in £200
[198] Joachim Van Slyck of the same place
Farmer his Bail in £200
Information having been exhibited to this Board from
which they are of opinion that Isaac Ostrander of the Helle-
bergh is a dangerous and disaffected person and that by his
conversation he endeavours daily to injure the American
cause and he having been cited to appear before us appearing
this Day —
Resolved that he be confined and that a Mittimus be
made out for him —
Dirck Vosburgh of the District of Claverack having
been ordered to appear before us to enter into a recognizance
of anew and appearing this day agreeable to order —
Resolved that he be bound for his good Behaviour doing
his duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the con
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Dirck Vosburgh of the District of Claverack
Farmer in £200
Resolved that a citation be made out directed to Doctor
Thompson and Angus McDonald of the Manor of Living-
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 499
ston to appear before this Board on the 24— day of August
u 11 j j • u Aug- I9'
instant to answer the charges alledged against them in an
Affidavit of Susannah Parie taken before Johannis Van
Deusen Esq- and that Cap- Robison of Claverack District
be requested to deliver the said citation to any Constable of
Livingston's Manor to have the same served -
John Decker Robison of Claverack District appeared before
the Board with John Smith for whose appearance before
us when called uppon he some time since became surety —
[199] Resolved that the said John Smith enter into a
Recognizance of anew for his good behaviour doing his duty
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when thereunto required during the continu
ance of the present war with Great Britain and also for his
remaining within the Limits of Livingston's Manor unless
he shall be called upon to do Militia duty or obtain permis
sion from this Board to leave the same and for his appear
ing before us on the 14- day of October next -
John Smith of Livingston's Manor Labourer
in £1000
John Decker Robison of Claverack District
his Bail in £1000
Resolved that Thomas Weger be liberated from confine
ment on Samuel Kitcham's entering into a recognizance for
his good behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies whenever there
unto required during the continuance of the present war
with Great Britain —
Samuel Kitchim of Lansingburgh Farmer on
Recognizance as Bail for Thomas Weeger
in £100
Adjourned -
500 State of New York
1780 Met Albany 22^ August 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f Mathew Visscher
Isaac D. Fonda j 1 Samuel Stringer
Resolved that William Loucks be liberated from Con
finement on his entering into a Recognizance with a suffi
cient surety for his good Behaviour doing his duty and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con
spiracies when thereunto required during the continuance of
the [200] present war with Great Britain -
William Loucks of Schohary Farmer in £100
Peter Borst of the same place Farmer his Bail
in £100
Resolved that a letter be wrote to Lieu- Col- Henry K.
Van Rensselaer requesting him to furnish this Board with
a List of the Names of the Persons who are able to prove
the charges alledged against Thomas Blewer now confined
in Goal
Adjourned
1780 Met Albany 23- August 1780
Aug" 23' Present
John M. Beeckman ) f T T^ T? i
•< Isaac D. ronda
Samuel Stringer
Mathew Van Valkenburgh having heretofore been bound
by a Recognizance and having been cited to appear before
this Board to enter into a Recognizance of a new and appear
ing agreeable to Order -
Resolved that he enter into the same with a sufficient
surety for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 501
whenevefr] thereunto required during the continuance of the 1780
• , ^ V> • • Aug- 23.
present war with Great Britain —
Mathew Van Valkenburgh of the East Dis
trict of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck
Blacksmith in £100
Hendrick Skinkle of Claverack District
Blacksmith his Bail in £100
Hendrick Skinkle of Claverack having also been cited to
appear before this Board to enter into Recognizance of
anew and appearing agreeable to Order —
[201] Resolved that he enter into a recognizance with a
sufficient surety for his good Behaviour doing his duty and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con
spiracies when thereunto required during the continuance
of the present war with Great Britain —
Hendrick Skinkle of Claverack District
Blacksmith in £100
Mathew Van Valkenburgh of the East Dis
trict of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck
Blacksmith his Bail in £100
Information being exhibited to this Board that there is
at present in this City a certain person who calls himself
James Van Zant who there is the greatest reason to suspect
is an Emissary from the Enemy —
Whereupon resolved that the said Person be sent for &
examined on his Examination he says he is last Come from
Newport that he left Long Island about three Years ago
that his Father has a farm there and that he was led by
curiosity to see Albany and on his producing a proper Pass
resolved that he be discharged —
Adjourned —
502 State of New York
1780 Met Albany 24^ August 1780
Aug" 2* Present
John M. Beeckman | f Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher 1 ( Samuel Stringer
Jacob Man confined by the Commissioners for Con
spiracies at Schenectady was brought before the Board and
as no direct proof has as yet been exhibited against him
and he offering a good surety for his future good conduct —
Therefore resolved that he enter into a recognizance for
his good behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the [202] Commissioners for Conspiracies
whenever thereunto required during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain -
Jacob Man of Schohary Farmer in £200
William Man of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £200
Philip Cook appearing before the Board according to
order to enter into a Recognizance of anew —
Resolved that he [be] bound for his good behaviour doing
his duty & appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the con
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain -
Philip Cook of the west District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Taylor in £100
Wilhelmas Dillenbagh of the same place
Farmer his Bail in £100
Wilhelmas Dillenbagh appearing before the Board to
enter into Recognizance of anew —
Resolved that he enter into the same for his good behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the continuance of the present war with Great Britain -
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 503
Wilhelmas Dillenbagh of the west District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. . £100
Philip Cook of the same place Taylor his
Bail in £100
On reading a Petition of Doctor George Smith setting
forth his situation as to Health and circumstances and
praying leave to go to Canada with his Family —
Resolved that D- George Smith be informed that this
Board are well acquainted with his State of health & have
therefore no objections to his going to Canada but that it
is not [203] in the power of this Board to grant him the
Permission required and that an application of this nature
ought to be made to his Excellency Governor Clinton —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 25th August 1780 — 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( g d Strf
Isaac D. Fonda I 1
A Certificate was laid before the Board signed by Nathan
Pearce & several others of the Principal inhabitants of
Fredericksborough in Dutchess County setting forth that
D" James Muldrum is a friend to the American Cause
and that he has behaved himself well for several years
past —
Resolved in Consequence of the said Certificate that Dun
can M?.Dougall who became Bail for the said Dr James
Muldrum be discharged from the recognizance by him
entered into for the said James Muldrum —
Resolved that citations be made out for John Cuppernull
and John J. Vrooman of Tryon County to appear before
Hugh Mitchell Esq^ at Schenectady on the sixth day of
504 State of New York
1780 September next to enter into Recognizance's for their appear-
Aug. 25. -i • •
ance at the next supream Court and that the said citations
be inclosed in a letter to the said Hugh Mitchell to be for
warded to them —
Angus MfDonald agreeable to the order of this Board of
the 19- instant appeared this day before us —
Resolved that he be committed and that a Mittimus be
made out for him —
Adjourned —
. t20*] Met Alban7 26~ August 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman | j Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher j ( Samuel Stringer
Resolved that Ann Standerren and Mary Partherton (who
were some time ago confined for endeavouring to persuade
the subjects not to take up arms in defence of the American
cause) be sent down to the Commissioners for Conspiracies
at Poughkeepsie for the purpose of their being removed
within the Enemies Lines And that a letter with respect
to them be wrote to the said Commissioners —
The board having taken into consideration the applica
tion of Jacob A. Lansing to be liberated from confinement
whereupon resolved that he be discharged from his said
Confinement on his taking an Oath that he will riot directly
or indirectly by word or deed give or cause to be given any
aid comfort or intelligence to any of the enemies or opposers
of the united States of America and that he will make known
to the Commissioners for Conspiracies all conspiracies that
may be formed in this State against the liberties of America
and of all treasonable actings or doings that may come to
his Knowledge and entering into a recognizance with suffi-
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 505
cient sureties for his good Behaviour doing his duty and AI78°6
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con
spiracies when thereunto required during the continuance
of the present war with Great Britain —
Jacob A. Lansing of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in .... £500
[205] Abraham Ja: Lansing of Lansingburgh
Farmer his Bail in £250
William Liverse of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer also
his Bail in £250
John Sherman was brought before the Board and Exam
ined who says he deserted from the Batteau Service at Fish
Kill resolved that the Quarter Master General be requested
to send him down to Fish Kill —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 28^ August 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
John Nightingale who was on the II- instant released
from confinement on entering into a Recognizance with
Joshua Bloore as his surety appeared this day before the
Board and requested that Abraham Veeder of the Norma[n]s
Creek may be accepted as his Bail in the stead of the said
Joshua Bloore -
Whereupon Resolved that the said Joshua Bloore be
discharged from his recognizance and that the said Abraham
Veeder enter into a recognizance for the said John Nightin
gale's conforming to the Terms of the recognizance by him
entered into on the said n— day of August instant —
506 State of New York
1780 Abraham Veeder of the Norma[n]s Creek
Farmer as Bail for John Nighftjingale in £100
William Bowen a prisoner of war on Parole having been
cited to appear before the Board appeared this day according
to order
Resolved that he enter into Parole to proceed to Fish-
[206] Kill and by the fourth day of September next there
deliver himself up as a prisoner of war to Philip Pell Esq-
Commissary of state Prisoners which Parole is in the following
words (to wit) (see Parole on file)
Robert Davis having been cited to appear before this
Board appeared resolved that he enter into a recognizance
of anew for his good behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the continuance of the present
war with Great Britain —
Robert Davis of the Normans Kill School
master in £100
Volkert Veeder of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Whereas Dirck Gardineir, Lambert Burghart and John D.
Goes of Kinderhook have been cited to appear before this
Board at a certain day now past and have neglected to appear
whereby they have severally broken their Parole
Therefore resolved that a warrant be made out directed to
John Tillman forthwith to apprehend and bring them
before us -
Martin Crom of Claverack District having also been cited
to appear before this Board and not appearing agreeable to
our order therefore resolved that the said John Tillman also
apprehend the said Martin Crom and bring him before us —
Received a letter from Mathew Adgate Esq-r dated King
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 507
District 27— instant inclosing several Examinations respecting
Major Zadock Wright which Letter and examinations are in
the following words (to wit) (see letter and examinations on
file) —
[207] Received another Letter from Mathew Adgate Esqr
dated 27- instant informing that he sends to us under
Guard Samuel Johnson who is going about the Country &
dissuading people from taking up Arms in defence of the
American cause which Letter is in the following words
(to wit) (see Letter on file) —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 29^ August 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Mathew Visscher
Isaac D. Fonda j ( Samuel Stringer
The Board having taken into consideration the Application
of Jacob J. Truax to be liberated from confinement do
thereupon resolve that he be discharged on his taking an
Oath not to aid comfort or assist the enemies of the United
States and to make known all Plots & conspiracies against this
or any other of the United States of America & on his entering
into a recognizance for his good behaviour doing his duty &
appearing before any three of the Commissioners of Con
spiracies whenever thereunto required during the Continuance
of the present war with Great Britain —
Jacob J. Truax of the City of Albany Inn
keeper in £5^0
Isaac Truax of the same place Innkeeper
his Bail in £250
Johannis Wyngart of the same place Yeoman
also his Bail in £250
508 State of New York
1780 Joseph Hawkins, Thomas Yarns, William Ball and William
Griffen having been apprehended by Order of Albert Baker,
John Moss & Noah Pain Esq- three of the Justices of [208] the
peace for the County of Charlotte were brought before the
Board under Guard and it appearing from the charges trans
mitted by the said Justices that the said prisoners are dangerous
& disaffected Persons and that they have been with the enemy —
It is therefore resolved that they be committed and a
mittimus be made out for them —
Deborah Baker was brought before the board by Col-
Henry K. Van Rensselaer as an evidence against Thomas
Blewer and the said Deborah Baker being examined saith as
follows (to wit) (see examination on file)
Adjourned —
A X78o Met August 2c£? August 1780
Aug. 30- r>
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( A/r , \r-i_
^ " \ \ Mathew Visscher
Samuel btnnger ) (
An Act1 for the Legislature of this State entitled " An Act1
for the Removal of the Families of Persons who have joined
the enemy passed i?*. day of July 1780 was laid before the
Board and as it is highly Necessary the said Act should be
put into immediate Execution and as there are not a sufficient
number of printed Copies for the different districts therefore
ordered that the secretary to this Board make copies of the
said Act for every district in this County and that the same
be forthwith transmitted to the Justices of the said district
in order that no delay may be occasioned in the Execution of
the same -
Adjourned —
1 Appendix I- Laws, July i, 1780.
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 509
[209] Met Albany 31^ August 1780 A
Present
John M. Beeckman | (ATI \r- i
•< Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer (
John Boyd Jun- appearing before the Board according
to order for the purpose of entering into a recognizance
of anew —
Resolved that he enter into the same with a sufficient
surety for his good behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
John Boyd Jun- of Balltown Millwright in. £100
John Holmes of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ................................ £100
Adjourned —
Met Albany i*fc September 1780 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman | j Mathew Visscher
Isaac D. Fonda j (. Samuel Stringer
Received a letter from Hugh Mitchell Esqr dated the
2c£? August last respecting John Cuppernull and John J.
Vrooman which is in the following words (to wit) (see letter
on file)
Agreeable to an order of this Board the following Persons
appeared to enter into new recognizance's (to wit) Coenrad
Clapper, David Finger, Martinus Schuck, Johannis Muller,
Andries Rees, Andries Rees Jun- Johannis Tatter, Solomon
Schutt, Nicholas Wheeler, Broer Witbeeck, Fite Miller,
Johannis Shaver, Jacob Hoofman, William Schuck,
510 State of New York
^780 Albartus Siemon, [210] Johannis Siemon, Jurie Lemon, &
John Concklin —
Resolved that they enter into the same and that they
be severally bound for their good Behaviour doing their
duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the con
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Coenradt Clapper of Livingston's Manor
Farmer in £100
David Finger of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
David Finger of Livingston's Manor Farmer
in £100
Coenradt Clapper of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Martinus Schuck of Livingston's Manor
Labourer in. £100
Johannis Muller of the same place his Bail in. £100
Andries Rees JunF of Livingston's Manor
Labourer in £100
Andries Rees of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Andries Rees of Livingstons Manor Farmer
in £100
Andries Rees Jun- of the same place La
bourer his Bail in £100
Johannis Tater of Livingston's Manor
Farmer in £100
Solomon Schutt of the same place Labourer
his Bail in. . £100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 511
Solomon Schutt of Livingston's Manor
Labourer in ........................... £100
Johannis Tater of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ............................ £100
Nicholas Wheeler of Livingston's Manor
Farmer in ............................. £100
Broer Witbeeck of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ............................. £100
Broer Witbeeck of Livingston's Manor
Farmer in ............................ £100
Nicholas Wheeler of the same place his
Bail in ............................... £100
Fite Miller of Livingstons Farmer ....... in £100
Johannis Shaver of the same place his Bail in £100
Johannis Shaver of Livingston's Manor
Labourer ............................ in £100
Fite Miller of the same place Farmer his Bail in £i oo
[211] Jacob Hoofman of Livingston's Manor
Farmer in ............................ £100
William Schuck of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ............................ £100
William Schuck of Livingston's Manor
Farmer in ............................. £100
Jacob Hoofman of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ........................... £100
Albertus Siemon of Livingston's Manor
Farmer in ............................ £100
Johannis Siemon of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ............................ £100
512 State of New York
*78o Tohanms Siemon of Livingston s Manor
Sept. i. J
farmer in
Albertus Siemon of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
John Concklin of Livingston's Manor
Farmer in £100
Jurie Lemon of Livingston's Manor La
bourer in £100
Coenradt Cline of Livingston's Manor
Farmer Bail for Peter Lampman in £100
John Tillman appeared before the Board and informed us
that he had agreeable to the warrant directed to him appre
hended Lambert Burghart of the District of Kinderhook
and Martin Crom of Claverack District —
Lambert Burghart being brought before us says that he is
very willing to comply with any order of this Board respect
ing him but that he is at present in no situation to travel
to Fish Kill being indisposed occasioned by the Yaws which
he has had upon him for a year past and as we have been
Certified as to the truth of the same —
Therefore resolved that the said Lambert Burghart enter
into a parole to remain at his place of abode in Kinderhook
District until! called upon by any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies or the Commissary of State Prisoners —
Resolved that Martin Crom appear before the Board to
morrow Morning —
[212] The Board taking into consideration the applica
tion of John Bratt to be liberated from Confinement —
Resolved on account of his age & infirmeties that he be
released on his taking an oath not to comfort aid or assist
any of the enemies of the United States and to make known
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 513
to us all persons coming from the enemy who secrete them- «
selves in the woods and also on his entering into a recog
nizance with a sufficient surety for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
John Bratt of the Hellebergh Farmer in. ... £100
John Willson of Kinderhook Farmer his
Bail in £"100
Barent Van Alen of the City of Albany Mar-
riner also his Bail in £100
Adjourned -
Met Albany 2-d September 1780 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j ( Mathew Visscher
Martin Crom who was ordered to appear before the Board
appeared and laid before us a Certificate signed by a num
ber of Militia Officers and other of the principal and well
affected inhabitants of Claverack District Certifying that the
said Martin Crom has always since the present war con
ducted himself as a peaceable subject of the State and has
done his duty faithfully when called upon And the said
Martin Crom also laying before us two Letters [213] directed
to this Board the one from Major John M'jKinstrey & the
other from Joseph Clarke both dated 31- August last in
which said letters the said Major M^Kinstrey and Josepfh]
Clarke recommend to us the said Martin Crom as a faithful!
and leige subject of the State which Letters are in the follow
ing words (to wit) (see letters on the file)
Resolved on consideration of the above Certificate and
514 State of New York
1780 letters that Martin Crom return to his place of abode in
Sept. 2. Qaverack District and there remain till called upon by this
Board —
Jacob Halenbeeck Jun- appeared before the Board accord
ing to order to enter into recognizance of anew -
Resolved that he enter into the same with a sufficient
surety for his good behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
required during the continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
Jacob Halenbeeck Jun- of Cooksakie District
Farmer in £100
Adam Hilton of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 4^? September 1780
^ + Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T
A/T L \T- L "i Isaac D. tonda
Mathew Visscher j (
The Board having received information that John Cobham
is frequently going to the Northward & there being great
reason to suspect that he keeps up a correspondanc[e] with the
enemy — Therefore resolved that the said John Cobham
[214] be ordered forthwith to appear before this Board -
John Cobham appearing informed the Board that there are
several persons at Fort Edward & Saragtoga who are in
debted to him in large sums of money and that he has been
endeavouring to collect the same and producing to the Board
several notes of hand for Money due to him thereupon re
solved that the said John Cobham be discharged and that he
be cautioned against leaving this City in future without a Pass
from this Board —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 515
Hazelton Spencer an Ensign in Sir John Johnsons Corps S178°
having been apprehended at Danby in the County of Char
lotte was brought before the Board and examined resolved
that he be committed —
Resolved that Isaac Ostrander be liberated from his
Confinement on entering into a recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto re
quired during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain -
Isaac Ostrander of the Hellebergh Farmer in.. £100
John Waley of the west District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Farmer his Bail in £100
Cap- Isaac Van Valkenburgh appeared before the Board
and informed us that he and William Klauw had became
surety before the Commissioners for Conspiracies at Poug-
keepsie for John J. Van Valkenburgh and Mathew M^Cagge
who lately came from New York that they the said John J.
Van Valkenburgh and Mathew M'Cagge should in ten days
[215] surrender themselves as prisoners to this Board and pro
ducing a Certificate of the same from the said Commissioners -
And the said John J. Van Valkenburgh being examin[e]d
saith as follows (to wit) (see Examination on file) —
Resolved that the said John J. Van Valkenburgh be per
mitted to go to Kinderhook on his entering into a recog
nizance for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the continuance of the present war
with Great Britain -
John J. Van Valkenburgh of Kinderhook
Labourer in £50°
Jurry Van Valkenburgh of the same place
Farmer his Bail in
516 State of New York
Also resolved that Mathew M'Cagge be discharged on
Peter L. Van Alen of Kinderhook entering into a Recog
nizance for the said Mathew M^Cagge's good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the continuance of the present war with Great Britain -
Peter L. Van Alen of Kinderhook Weaver as
Bail for Mathew M^ Cagge in £500
Adjourned -
1780 Met Albany 5- September iv8o
5- Present
John M. Beeckman ) j , ~ r, .
J . c . j Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer J (
Lieutenant Thomas Ismay appeared before the Board and
informed us that Benjamin Van Etten and his son John Van
Etten of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck refuse to do [216] any
Militia duty and say they will not take up Arms against the
King that William Hooghtaling of the same place said he was
a Kings man and that he would have nothing to do with the
Rebels and that Adrian Bradt is greatly disaffected and that
the Persons who are able to prove the above charges are
Simeon Viele and Philip Radliff —
Resolved in consequence of the above information that
citations be made out and sent to the said Simeon Viele and
Philip Radliff commanding their appearance before us at the
City Hall on the 7- instant —
The board being also informed that Ensign Ephraim
Hudson is able to give information against several disaffected
Persons resolved that a letter be wrote to the said Ephraim
Hudson requesting his appearance before us as soon as
possible —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 517
Resolved that a citation be sent to M- Catharine Burling- * 7&o
ham to appear before us on the 7— instant to give informa
tion respecting the conduct of several of the inhabitants of
New Scotland —
John Broachim who was on the 10- August last liberated
from Confinement appeared before the Board with David
Kittle as his surety —
Resolved that Ryer Schermerhorn and Johannis Weller
his former Bails be and they are hereby discharged and that
the said John Broachim enter into recognizance anew with the
said David Kittle as his surety for his good Behaviour doing
his duty & appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required [217] during the
continuance of the present was with Great Britain —
John Broachim of the District of Schenectady
Farmer in £200
David Kittle of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £200
Adjourned —
Met Albany 6*h September 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f c , c .
i K Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) (
John Johnson of the State of Connecticut appeared before
the Board and laid before us a letter from Col- William B.
Whiting of Kings District wherein the said Col- Whiting
request's that Samuel Johnson who was the other day con
fined by Mathew Adgate Esq- for dissuading the inhabitants
of this State to take up Arms in defence of the Country may
be delivered over to the said John Johnson his Brother as he
beleives from the former character of the said Samuel John-
518 State of New York
g*78°6 son that he is at present Insane And that the said John
Johnson producing also a letter from the said Mathew Adgate
Esq^ to this Board advising compliance with the above
request —
Resolved in consequence of the above Letters that the said
Samuel Johnson be delivered over to the said John Johnson
and that he be cautioned against coming in this State whilst
he persists in inculcating such dangerous and destructive
Principles —
Resolved that the Secretary pay to Jesse Fairchilds1 the
sum of £162 — 16 Continental Money on account —
Hendrick Merkle appeared before the Board according
to our order to enter into anew Recognizance -
[218] Resolved that he enter into the same for his good
behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto re
quired during the continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
Hendrick Merkle of Tryon County Farmer in. £100
John Roff of the City of Albany Merchant
his Bail in £100
Adjourned —
Met Albany 7^? September 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman } ( Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher ) ( Samuel Stringer
Siemon Viele appeared before the Board according to our
order of the 5t.h instant and was examined his examination
is in the words following (to wit) (see examination on file)
JHe signed his name "Fairchild". See note under date of September
12, 1780.
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 519
Catharine Bullingham and Philip Radliff being also on g*7t3°
the 5l.h instant cited to appear before the Board appeared
and were examined their Examination's are as follows (to
wit) (see examinations on file)
John Armstrong who was some time since confined by Col-
Henry K. Van Rensselaer was brought before the Board —
Resolved that (agreeable to the request of the said Col*
Rensselaer) the said John Armstrong be liberated from con
finement on his entering into a recognizance for his future
good behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies [219] when
thereunto required during the continuance of the present
war with Great Britain —
John Armstrong of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Weaver in £100
John E. Lansing of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Adjourned -
Met Albany 8^ September 1780 Sept. 8.
Present
John M. Beeckman \ ( Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher j ( Samuel Stringer
Resolved that Jacob Ball Jun- of the Bever Dam be dis
charged from confinement on entering into a recognizance
for his good behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the continuance of the present
war with Great Britain —
Jacob Ball Jun^ of the Bever Dam Farmer in £100
Peter Man Jun- of Schohary Farmer his Bail
in . £100
520 State of New York
1780 Resolved also that John Ball Jim- be discharged from
confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
behaviour doing his duty & appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon dur
ing the continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
John Ball Jun- of the Bever Dam Labourer in £100
William Man of Schohary Farmer his Bail in £100
Adjourned —
SeI^8oii [220] Met Albany u^ September 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman 1 ( Mathew Visscher
Isaac D Fonda j ( Samuel Stringer
Resolved that George Rodgers be discharged from con
finement on entering into a recognizance with a sufficient
surety for his good behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when called upon during the continuance of the present
war with Great Britain —
George Rodgers of the City of Albany Weaver
in £100
Henry Van Wie of the same place Carpenter
his Bail in £100
Resolved that Mathias Rose, William Rodgers, John Stiles,
Robert Brisben, and John MfDole be severally cited to ap
pear before this Board on the 24- day of September instant
with sufficient sureties to enter into new recognizance's
A Letter directed to this Board from Cap- Isaac Van
Valkenburgh dated the 9^? instant was laid before us wherein
he requests a Certificate of John Van Valkenburgh's having
entered into a recognizance before us for his good behaviour
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 521
and appearance before us when called upon in order that
the said Isaac Van Valkenburgh may by producing the said
certificate be enabled to get the Effects taken from him when
he came from New York and which were detained by a
Justice of the peace residing at Crompon in Dutchess
County —
Resolved that in compliance with the above request a
certificate be made out and transmitted to the [221] said
Cap- Van Valkenburgh —
Adjourned -
Met Albany 12^ September 1780 Sept. 12.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( c i e •
* ] Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher j (
Resolved that Christopher Hutt be liberated from con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good be
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto re
quired during the continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
Christopher Hutt of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ..... £100
William Monk of the Hellebergh Farmer his
Bail in ............................... £100
Resolved that the Secretary pay to Jesse Fairchild the
sum of 282^ 1 6s on account of services performed for this
Board — 1
Adjourned —
1 The item ordered paid, on September 6, amounting to ^"162 „ i6s.,
and the above amount, making together the sum of ^445 » 125., were
paid together. The original voucher is in Revolutionary Manuscripts, vol.
40, p. 172, State Comptroller's Office.
522 State of New York
1780 Met Albany 13^ September 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman } f r
A/T i_ Tr- L } Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) (
Thomas Blewer having been committed to Goal by Coll
Henry K. Van Rensselaer was brought before the Board
Resolved that he be liberated from Confinement on en
tering into a recognizance with a sufficient surety for his
good behaviour doing his duty & appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there
unto required during the Continuance of the present war
with Great Britain —
[222] Thomas Blewer of the East District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in . £100
David Groesbeeck of the City of Albany
Cordwainer his Bail in £100
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 15^ September 1780 —
Sept. 15. Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( _
T ^ ~ , 1 Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j (
William Klaw of Kline Kill appeared before the Board
and informed us that there is at present at Kinderhook a
certain woman who has lately been to New York that from
every circumstance there is the greatest reason to suppose
that she has been sent there by certain Tories at Kinder-
hook for the purpose of obtaining intelligence and it being
highly necessary that this Matter should be enquired into
and properly investigated —
Therefore Resolved that a Letter be wrote to Major Isaac
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 523
Goes requesting him to have the said woman apprehended
and brought before him and to examine her as to the Names
of the persons who sent her to New York and to send
the said persons together with the said woman forthwith
to us -
A Certificate dated I3*h instant signed by John L. Bronk
and Philip Conine Esq- was laid before the Board wherein
thefy] set forth that aggreeable to a Law of this State En
titled an Act for the removal of the Families " of persons
who have joined the Enemy " they have warned the follow
ing persons to remove out of this State or to such parts of
it as [223] are within the power of the enemy within
twenty days from the date of the said Certificate Viz- Rachel
Halenbeeck the wife of Casper P. Halenbeeck, Maria Jan-
sen the wife of Johannis Jansen, Margaret Riemer the wife
of Johannis Riemer, Maria Eckler the wife of William Eck-
leer, Engeltie Schram the wife of Frederick Schram and
Cornelia Danials the wife of Dirck Danials, ordered that
the said Certificate be filed —
A Certificate dated 9- September signed by Samuel Van
Veghten Esqr one of the Justices of the peace for the County
of Albany was laid before the Board wherein he sets forth
that agreeable to the last mentioned act of the Legislature
he has warned the following persons to remove out of this
State or to such parts of it as are in the power of the enemy
Viz- Catharine Dies the wife of Jacob Dies, Eva Dies the
wife of Mathew Dies, Mary Van Garde the wife of Benja
min Van Garde, Elizabeth Lampman the wife of Wilhelmas
Lampman, Gertruyd Dewitt the wife of Evert Dewitt, Jake-
myntie Williams the wife of Frederick Williams, Jane Pick-
sen the wife of John Picksen and Jane Straight the wife of
Thomas Straight -
Adjourned -
524 State of New York
1780 ^ Met Albany 16^ September 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda [ 1 Mathew Visscher
James Parks who came from the enemy last spring hav
ing been apprehended was brought before the Board on
being Examined he saith as follows (to wit) (see Exami
nation on file)
[224] Resolved that the said James Parks be confined and
that a mittimus be made out for him -
Johan Jurie Fought appearing according to our order to
enter into anew recognizance -
Resolved that he enter into the same for his good behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the continuance of the present war with Great Britain -
Johan Jurie Fought of Lonenburgh in the
District of Coxsakie Farmer in £100
Sylvester Salsbury of the County of Albany
Farmer his Bail in £100
Resolved that an order be made out directed to Amos
Lucas forthwith to deliver up to this Board William Tyler
for whose appearance when called upon he became surety -
Resolved that citations be sent to John Wans, William
Jackson, Andrian Bradt, Benjamin Van Etten, and William
Hooghteling to appear before this Board on the 19- day of
September instant -
Also Resolved that a citation be sent to D- Thompson of
Livi[n]gston's Manor to appear before this Board on or be
fore the first day of October next —
The board having received information that Major Zadock
Wright is at present with his Family in Cumberland County —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 525
Resolved that a letter be wrote to Moses Wright (who 0 T78°
8 \ Sept. 16.
entered into a bond to deliver up the said Zadock Wright
[225] when called upon) forthwith to bring before the Board
the said Zadock Wright —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 18^? September 1780 1780
Present ** l8'
John M. Beeckman ) ( ~ , n .
1, , TT- i i Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher J (
Agreeable to the citation sent to Doctor Thompson on
the 1 6— instant he appeared resolved that the said D-
Thompson be committed and that a Mittimus be made out
to the Goaler to take him into his custody and closely confine
him —
Cornelia Danials appeared before the Board and informed
us that her Husband Dirck Danials had about four years ago
gone off to the Enemy and that agreeable to a late Law John
L. Bronk & Philip Conine Esq— two of the [Justices] of the
Peace for this County had ordered her to leave this State or
remove to such parts of it as are in the Power of the enemy
And the said Cornelia Danials laying before the Board a
Recommendation from the said Justices setting forth that she
has always behaved herself in an unexceptionable Manner
and recommending it to the Board to grant her a Permit to
remain at her Habitation -
Resolved in Consequence of the said recommendation that
a Permit be granted her accordingly -
John Stiles having been ordered to appear before the Board
to enter into a new Recognizance appeared pursuant to the
said Order -
Resolved that he enter into the same with a sufficient
526 State of New York
1780 surety for his good behaviour doing his duty and [226]
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con
spiracies when called upon during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain -
John Stiles of Palmertown in the County of
Albany Farmer in £100
James Eldrige of Saragtoga in the County
aforesaid Farmer his Bail in £100
Seth Perry appeared before the Board and informed us
that James Starks, Ephraim Knowlton & Philip Philips are
endeavouring daily to instil into the minds of weak and
ignorant people a persuasion that it is contrary to Scripture
to take up Arms in defence of the Country and are otherwise
by their conduct and conversation giving Offence to the
friends of the American cause —
It is therefore resolved that the said James Starks, Ephraim
Knowlton, and Philip Philips be cited to appear before this
Board on Wednesday the 27— day of September instant
to answer the above complaint and that the said Seth Perry
be ordered to produce Witnesses in support of the said charge
on that day —
Adjourned -
J78o Met Albany 19^ September 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T r^ T? j
* . ] Isaac D. Fonda
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer )
Adrian Bradt, Benjamin Van Etten and William Jackson,
having been cited to appear before this Board appeared —
Resolved on consideration of the charges alledged against
them respectively that they be committed and that a [227]
mittimus be made out directed to the Goaler to take them into
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 527
his custody and safely keep them untill discharged by any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies -
James Starke having been accused by Seth Perry and others
with being a person disaffected to the American cause ap
peared before the board and requested that he might be per
mitted to bring Evidences before us to invalidate the said
Charge whereupon resolved that the secretary to this Board
furnish the said James Starke with citations for such persons
as the said James Starke may think necessary to produce to
disprove the said Charge -
Adjourned -
Met Albany 20^ September 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher j ( Isaac D. Fonda
John M'rDole having been heretofore bound by recog
nizance appeared this day according to the order of this
Board Resolved that he enter into Recognizance of anew with
a sufficient surety for his future good behaviour doing his
duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when called upon during the continuance of
the present war with Great Britain —
John M'rDole of Saragtoga in the County of
Albany Farmer in ...................... £100
John Mahoney of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ................................ £100
Daniel B. Bradt Esq- Supervisor for the District of Hosick
in this County Certified to the Board that he had agreeable
to the Law for the Removal of Families of Persons who have
[228] gone off and joined the Enemy warned the following
Weomen to depart the State or remove to such parts of it as
528 State of New York
1780 are in tne power of the enemy in twenty days from the time of
such Notification (to wit) Rebecca Ruyter, Sarah Cammeron,
Catharina Best, Elizabeth Ruyter, Hannah Simpson, Elizabeth
Letcher, Ariantie Wies, Maria Young & Susannah Lantman — •
A Certificate signed by Daniel B. Bradt, John Randell,
and a Number of other Persons residing in liosick District
was laid before the Board wherein they set forth that Su
sannah Lantman and Maria Young whose Husbands are
gone to the enemy and who have been lately notified to leave
the State are desirous of remaining at their Habitations —
Resolved on considering the subject of the said Certificate
that this Board can in no wise agree to grant Permits to the said
Susannah Lantman & Maria Young for the above Purpose —
Adjourned -
1780 Met Albany 21^ September 1780
2I' Present
John M. Beeckman | j Isaac D. Fonda
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer j (. Samuel Stringer
The Board having received information that William
Shanklin formerly an inhabitant of Cherry Valley and now
residing in the East District of the Manor of Rensselaer-
wyck is a person who has always professed Principles Inimical
to the American cause and who has at the destruction of
Cherry Valley by the Indians assisted the Enemy in plunder
ing and robbing the well affected [229] Inhabitants and the
same having been attested to by John Willson and James
Scott also formerly residing at Cherry Valley —
It is therefore resolved that the said William Shanklin be
forthwith apprehended and confined and that a warrant be
made out for that Purpose -
A Letter directed to this [Board] dated 19- instant from
Johannis Lawyer and William Dietz Esq- two of the Justices
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 529
of the Peace of this County was read setting forth that Sarah g I78°
Zimmer of Schohary has agreeable to the Law for the Re
moval of the Families of persons who have gone over to the
Enemy been warned to leave the State or remove to Such
parts of it as are in the Power of the enemy and she is desirous
of remaining at Home and having always conducted herself
in an unexceptionable manner they request that Permission
may be granted her for that Purpose —
Resolved that the subject of the above Letter be taken
into Consideration till to morrow —
Adjourned -
Met Albany 22^ September 1780 Sept.822.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Mathew Visscher
Jeremiah Van Rensseiaer j ( Samuel Stringer
Noah Pain Esqr one of the Justices of the peace for the
County of Charlotte appeared before the Board and laid
before us several Examinations taken by him respecting
Thomas Yarns and others now here confined in Goal which
Examination's are in the following words (to wit) (see exam
inations on file) —
[230] The Board taking into consideration the Letter
received from Johannis Lawyer and William Dietz Esq- re
specting Sarah Zimmer do resolve that a Permit be granted
to the said Sarah Zimmer to remain at her Habitation —
Adjourned -
Met Albany 2^ September 1780 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f Mathew Visscher
Jeremiah Van Rensseiaer J \ Samuel Stringer
Resolved that Benjamin Van Etten be discharged from
530 State of New York
1780 Confinement on entering into a recognizance for his future
good Behaviour, doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there
unto required during the continuance of the present war
with Great Britain —
Benjamin Van Etten of the West District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. . £100
Jacob Roseboom of the City of Albany Gen
tleman his Bail in £100
Also resolved that Adrian Bradt be discharged from con
finement on entering into a recognizance with a sufficient
surety for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
Adrian Bradt of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in £100
John Radliff of the City of Albany Carpenter
his Bail in £50
Rykert Van Sante of the same place Car
penter also his Bail in £50
[231] Resolved that William Jackson be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a recognizance with a suffi
cient surety for his good Behaviour doing his duty and ap
pearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con
spiracies when thereunto required during the continuance
of the present war with Great Britain -
William Jackson of New Scotland in the west
District of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck
Farmer in £100
Mathew Watson of the City of Albany Mer
chant his Bail in . £100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 531
DT Thompson made application to the Board to be lib-
erated from confinement on account of the Illness of his
wife and the distressed Situation of his Family and he pro
ducing an Affidavit of Jacob Power as to the truth of the
above —
Resolved on the consideration thereof that the said
Thomas Thompson be discharged from his confinement on
entering into a recognizance with sufficient sureties for his
appearance at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be
held at the City Hall in this City on the third Tuesday in
October next to answer to such charges as shall then and
there be alledged against [him] and not to depart the Court
without Leave and for his good behaviour in the mean
time -
Thomas Thompson of the Manor of Living
ston Physician in ...................... £500
Coenradt Rosman of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ............................ £250
John Shuts of the same place Farmer also
his Bail in ............................. £250
Adjourned -
[232] Met Albany 24^? September 1780 Sept8!
Present
John M. Beeckman } j Mathew Visscher
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer j ( Samuel Stringer
A Letter was laid before the Board dated the 23d Instant
signed by Seth Perry, Samuel Hill and other well affected
persons setting forth that Numbers of the Torys in New
Bethlehem in the Manor of Rensselaerwyck are collecting
in the night time and that there is great reason to suppose
unless timely prevented they may injure some of the friends to
532 State of New York
Sept824 t^le American cause and requesting that a warrant may be
granted for the Apprehension of the said persons -
On taking the subject of the above letter into considera
tion It is resolved that a warrant be made out directed to
Seth Perry to apprehend all such disaffected persons as are
above complained of and forthwith bring them before us —
Adjourned —
3S. Met Albany 25^ September 1780
Present
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) j Isaac D. Fonda
John M. Beeckman j | Samuel Stringer
The Board having received information that Cap* Isaac
Lansing is able to give some material information against
James Legrange of this City it is therefore ordered that the
said Isaac Lansing be requested to attend this Board imme
diately -
Robert Brisben having been heretofore bound by [233]
Recognizance appeared before us according to our order to
enter into Recognizance of anew —
Resolved that he enter into the same with a sufficient
surety for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appear
ing before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain -
Robert Brisben of Saragtoga Farmer in £100
Jonathan Pettit of the City of Albany Cord-
wainer his Bail in £100
Isaac Lansing appearing according to our order was
examined and his Examination is in the following words
(to wit) (see examination on the file) -
Resolved in consequence of the said Examination as the
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 533
said James Legrange is under the age of Twenty one Years
that he procure some person to become surety for his future
good Behaviour —
Arie Legrange appearing before the Board and being
willing to become surety for James Legrange It is re
solved that he enter into a recognizance for the said James
Legrange's future good behaviour doing his duty and ap
pearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con
spiracies when called upon during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
Arie Legrange of the City of Albany Merchant
as Bail for his son James Legrange in. ... £100
Resolved that Philip Herwig be requested immediately
to furnish this Board with the Crime of John M'rDorn &
that he perticularly ascertain the time when the same was
committed -
[234] John Tunnicliff appeared before the Board and
requested Permission for himself and John Rawbottom to
go to Tryon County for the purpose of seeing his Farm -
Resolved that Permission for that purpose be granted
them on Joshua Bloore entering into a Recognizance for their
returning within a reasonable Time to this place and behaving
themselves during their Absence in a becoming Manner -
Joshua Bloore of the City of Albany Merchant
as surety for John Tunnicliff & John Raw-
bottom in £100
Adjourned —
Met Albany 26^ September 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman | j Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) \ Mathew Visscher
534 State of New York
Lieutenant Ephraim Hudson having been cited to appear
before the Board in order to his being examined with re
spect to sundry persons living at New Scotland appeared
and being examined says —
That William Jackson is a person of weight & Influence
in the part where he lives that he is certain that the Ex
presses from the Enemy which pass up & down the Country
lodge at his House, that John Burnsides is a Tory and that
the Party that robbed Lieu- Leonard went from Burnsides
House — (See Examination on file) —
John Herrington and Ephraim Knowlton having been
apprehended in consequence of a warrant issued on the
24- instant was brought before the Board -
[235] Resolved that they be confined and that a Mittimus
be made out to the Goaler to take them into his Custody —
Adjourned —
Sept.827. Met Albany 27- September 1780 -
Present
John M. Beeckman ] j Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
Samuel Stringer ) ( Mathew Visscher
The Board proceeded to the Examination of the Charge
of disaffection to the American cause Exhibited by Seth
Perry against James Starks, Ephraim Knowlton & Philip
Philips and in support of the said charge the following per
sons were examined as witnesses (to wit) Benjamin Valen
tine, M- Skinner, Sarah Barnum, Mary Knowlton, Samuel
Hill, M- Beagle, Elizabeth Barnum, Jabez Landers and
John Lawrence their Examinations are as follows (to wit)
(see Examinations of file)
In order to invalidate the charge above alledged the said
James Starks requested that the following persons might
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 535
be examined (to wit) Isaac Lawrence, Richard Lawrence, J78°
Mine Lawrence, William Barnum, Jacob Herrington, Lena
Herrington, Robert Patrick, Nathaniel Culver, John Salsbury,
Dirck Sluyter, & Henry Salsbury which Examination's are in
the following words (to wit) (See examination's on the File)
Resolved that the consideration of the above Examina
tions be postponed till to Morrow Morning -
Resolved that a letter be wrote to his Excellency Gov
ernor Clinton inclosing a copy of the Letter received from
[236] John D. Goes which Letter is in the following words
(to wit) (See Letter on the file)1
Adjourned —
Met Albany 28^ September 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
Samuel Stringer [ ( Mathew Visscher
As no Particular charge has yet been exhibited against
John Herrington therefore resolved that he be discharged
from Confinement —
The Board having resumed the consideration of the
Examinations Yesterday taken and the charge of disaffection
against James Starke appearing to be well founded it is
resolved that he enter into Recognizance with sufficient
sureties to remain within the Limits of Kings District and
not depart the same without leave obtained for that pur
pose from any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
(unless it be to do Militia duty) and for his good Behaviour
and appearance before any of the said Commissioners for
Conspiracies when called upon during the continuance of
the present war with Great Britain -
1 In George Clinton Papers, no. 3242, and the letter of Goes, no. 3194,
archives of New York State Library.
536 State of New York
Se* t^s James Starke of Kings District Labourer in. . . £100
Nathaniel Culver of the same place Esq- his
Bail in £ 50
John Salsbury of the same place Farmer
also his Bail in £ 50
Adjourned -
Oct. 2. Met Albany 2^ October 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f T ^ _ ,
::, i x7. , 1 Isaac D. ronda
Mathew Visscher j (
[237] Samuel Perry of Palmerton having been cited to
appear before the Board to enter into a new Recognizance
appeared for that purpose with a sufficient surety resolved
that he enter into the same for his good behaviour doing his
duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when called upon during the continuance of
the present war with Great Britain -
Samuel Perry of Palmertown in the District
of Saragtoga Farmer in £100
Rowland Perry of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
John Perry having also been cited to appear before the
Board to enter into a new Recognizance appearing resolved
that he enter into the same for his good behaviour doing his
duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when called upon during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain -
John Perry of Palmertown in Saragtoga
District Farmer in £100
Rowland Perry of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Adjourned -
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 537
Met Albany 3i3 October 1780 1780
r» J ° ' Oct. 3.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) J Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher j 1 Isaac D. Fonda
Mathias Rose having been cited to appear before this
Board to enter into a new Recognizance appeared for that
Purpose with a sufficient surety -
Resolved that he enter into the same for his good be
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
[238] Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain -
Mathias Rose of Saragtoga District Labourer
in .................................... £100
Freeman Barligh of the same [place] Farmer
his Bail in ............................. £ 100
Adjourned —
Met Albany 4*? October 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman | ( Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
Samuel Stringer j ( Mathew Visscher
A Petition of Ephraim Knowlton was laid before the Board
whereby he request's to be released from Confinement and
the same being taken into Consideration -
Resolved that he be released accordingly on entering
into a recognizance for his good behaviour doing his duty
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when called upon during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain and also for his appearance
at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be held on the
third Tuesday in October Instant at the City Hall in this
538 State of New York
Oct8° ^lty (or w^eresoever tne said Court shall then be held in
the State of New York) and not depart the Court without
Leave —
Ephraim Knowlton of the East District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. . £100
Thomas Knowlton of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Robert Patrick of the same place Farmer also
his Bail in £100
Adjourned -
f239^ Met Albany 5- October 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T • i w r> i
. „ . -J Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
Samuel Stringer )
It appearing from the Examination of James Halstead that
James Drummond of Nistageune has harboured and secreted
Emissaries from the Enemy and has from the Commencement
of the present Contest been esteemed as a person disaffected
to the American cause —
It is therefore resolved that a citation be made out directed
to the said James Drummond to appear before this Board on
Saturday the seventh day of October instant to answer the
above complaint —
It having been suggested to us that Philip Van Rensselaer
Esq? has received a Letter from Col- Richard Varick (who
was Aid De Camp to General Arnold at the time he went off
to New York) which contains Expressions which would tend
to discover some of the persons concerned with Arnold in
his Villianous Plot -
It is therefore resolved that the said Philip Van Rens-
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 539
selaer be requested to attend this Board with the said Letter
as soon as conveniently may be —
John Tunnicliffto whom a pass was granted by this Board
to go to Tryon County appeared and requested that Joshua
Bloore who became surety for his Return to this City might be
discharged from the Recognizance entered into for him resolved
that the said Joshua Bloore be discharged accordingly —
Adjourned -
[240] Met Albany 6^ October 1780 J^8*
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( ,
i . , r, . i Isaac D. tonda
Samuel Stringer )
The Board having received information that Hans Peter
Snyder living on Fishkill at Saragtoga has and still keeps up
a Correspondence with the enemy and harbours persons pass
ing through the Country who are coming from the enemy -
It is therefore resolved that a warrant be made out for the
immediate apprehension of the said Hans Peter Snyder and
that the said warrant be inclosed in a Letter to Col- Cor
nelius Van Veghten and that he be requested to have the
same served —
Abraham Hooghteling who was some time ago confined for
having been with Brant and his Party and who broke Goal
having been again apprehended was brought before the Board
resolved that he be committed —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 7^ October 1780 1780
Present
Mathew Visscher ) j Isaafc] D. Fonda
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
540 State of New York
1780 Nicholas Lake having been heretofore cited to appear
before the Board appeared before us this day to enter into
a new Recognizance resolved that he enter into the same
with a sufficient surety and that he be bound for his good
Behaviour, doing his duty, and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies whenever called [241]
upon during the continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
Nicholas Lake of Cinkaick in the County of
Albany Farmer in £100
Abraham Schuyler of the City of Albany
Merchant his Bail in £100
A Return signed by John Younglove Esq~ was laid before
us wherein he specifies that he has agreeable to An Act of
the Legislature for the Removal of the Families of Persons
who have joined [the] enemy ordered the following persons to
depart this State or remove to such parts of it as are in the
power of the Enemy, (to wit) Elizabeth Hogle the wife of
John Hogle, Jane Hogle wife of Francis Hogle and three
Children of Simeon Covell ordered that the said return be
filed —
Elizabeth Hogle one of the weomen named in the above
return made by John Younglove Esq- appeared before the
Board and requested Permission to remain at her Habitation
assigning as a reason that her Husband was killed at the
Battle of Bennington and the same being certified to us by
sundry well affected inhabitants of this County and that the
said Elizabeth Hogle has since the going away of her Husband
behaved herself in a becoming manner -
It is therefore resolved that a permit be granted to the said
Elizabeth Hogle for the above purpose -
Resolved that Henry Van Corlaer who was heretofore
bound in a recognizance for his good Behaviour and appear-
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 541
ance before this Board when called be cited to appear forth-
with with a suffi- [242] cient surety to enter into Recognizance
of anew —
A Return signed by John Bebee Esq? one of the Justices
of the peace for this County was laid before the Board
wherein he specifies that agreeable to an Act of the Legisla
ture of this State entitled an Act for the Removal of the
Families of Persons who have joined the enemy he has warned
the following persons to depart this State or remove to such
parts of it as are in the power of the Enemy, (to wit) Jerusha
Ingram wife of Benjamin Ingram Jun- , Mary MfCarty wife
of Duncan M^Carty, Lucretia Woodward wife of David
Woodward & Abigail Woodward wife of Josiah Woodward -
Lucretia Woodward and Jerushfa] Ingraham two of the
women named in the above return appeared before the Board
and requested Permission to remain at their Habitations and
produced to the Board Certificates from sundry of the well
affected Inhabitants of this County of their good Character
and that their remaining in the Country will not be detri
mental to the Freedom & independence of this and the
United States in consequence of which Certificates and
recommendations -
It is resolved that a permit be granted to the said Lu
cretia Woodward and Jerusha Ingraham -
John TunniclifF appeared before the Board and requested
Permission to go to Tryon County in Search of some Horses
and other Effects that were unjustly taken from him and
converted to the Private use of several Individuals in the
said County -
Resolved that agreeable to the said request [243] the
said John Tunnicliff have Permission granted him to go to
Tryon County in search of the said Horses and Effects —
Captain Jarvis Mudge appeared before the Board & re-
542 State of New York
quested that his son in Law David Darrow now here con
fined in Goal may be liberated from his confinement on
account of the Illness of his wife —
Resolved in consequence of the said Application that the
said David Darrow have Permission to go and see his wife
on his entering into a Recognizance for his Surrendering
himself up to this Board as a prisoner on or before the 28-
Instant and for his good and peaceable Behaviour during
that time -
David Darrow of New Lebanon Kings Dis
trict Farmer in £100
Jarvis Mudge of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Adjourned —
Met Albany 8^ October 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f r
i, ! Tr. , i Samuel btrmger
Mathew Visscher j [
John Drummond having been adjudged a person of a
Suspicious Character and dangerous to the safety of the
State and being [sic] in consequence thereof been ordered
to appear before this Board and he appearing this day and
being charged with the above and denying the same but at
the same time professing his principles in Favour of the
Crown of Great Britain and declaring his intention of not
taking up Arms in Defence of the American Cause -
Therefore resolved that he be committed and that a Mit
timus be made out for him —
[244] Cornelius Viele appeared and requested that the
above mentioned John Drummond might on account of the
distressed situation of his Family be permitted to go Home
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 543
for a few days and the said Cornelius Viele being an ap- I78o
proved friend to the Country -
Therefore resolved that his Request be complied with
and that the said John Drummond have Permission to re
turn home and surrendering himself as a Prisoner to this
Board on or before the ii- instant and in the mean time
be of the good Behaviour —
John Drummond of Nistageune in the County
of Albany Farmer in £100
Cornelius Viele of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Adjourned —
Met Albany o^ October 1780 — 1780
Present Oct- *
John M. Beeckman [ ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda i ( Mathew Visscher
Isabel Clark of Cooksborough appeared before the Board
and laid before us a Certificate signed by Lieu- Jacob Halen-
beeck and a number of other well affected Inhabitants of
this County setting forth that the said Isabel Clark has
received an order from a Justice of the Peace to depart
the State or remove to such parts of it as are in the Power
of the Enemy in consequence of her Husband's having gone
off to the Enemy and they further Certify that the said Isabel
Clark has always behaved herself in a peaceable and quiet Man
ner and that they do not conceive that her [245] remaining in
the Country will in any wise prove dangerous or detrimental to
the Freedom and Independance of this and the United States —
It is therefore resolved that a Permit be made out for the
said Isabel Clark to remain at her Habitation unmolested -
Adjourned -
544 State of New York
*?*> Met Albany 10^ October 1780
Oct. 10. .p. J '
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher ) ( Samuel Stringer
Peter Smith of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck appeared
before the Board and informed us that he had received in
Payment from Melchert File three fifty Dollar Bills Conti
nental Money which on being inspected were found coun
terfeit and it appearing probable to this Board that the said
Counterfeit money is circulated through the State by some
of the disaffected Inhabitants with a view of embarrassing
the public Operations and it being highly necessary that an
Enquiry should be made into the same therefore resolved in
Consequence of the said Information that the said Peter Smith
be bound in a Recognizance to appear at the next Supream
Court to be held on the third Tuesday in October Instant
to give Evidence with Respect to the said Counterfeit Bills —
Peter Smith of the East District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in £100
Philip Coenradt having also received Counterfeit Bills
from the said Melchert File —
Resolved that he also enter into a Recognizance [246]
to appear at the next Supream Court to give Evidence
against the said Melchert File —
Philip Coenradt of the East District of
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in £100
Resolved in Consequence of the above information of
Peter Smith and Philip Coenradt that Melchert File be
ordered to attend this Board on Tuesday the 17- Day of
October Instant —
The Board having received Information that Ryneir
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 545
Vischer of this City has received in Payment Counterfeit 1780
Continental Money and he having been sent for and appear
ing with the said Money and informed us he had received
the same from Isacher Childs —
Isacher Childs being sent for and examined with Respect
to the said Counterfeit Money says that he received the
same from a certain Johnson —
Johnson being sent for and not being able to inform us
where he received the same resolved that he be informed
that this Board do insist on knowing where and from whom
he received the same —
Application was made to this Board for a Permit to M—
Edgar to go to Canada —
Resolved that Mil Edgar be informed that this Board are
not authorized to grant Permits for that purpose —
Adjourned —
Met Albany n^ October 1780 — 1780
Present °ct' "'
John M Beeckman )
Mathew Visscher )
[247] Application was made to the Board by Major
Reed for a Permit for Doctor George Smith to go With his
Family to Canada —
Resolved that Major Reed be informed that this Board
are not vested with a power to grant Permits of that nature
but that we have no Objections to Df Smith's going provided
he can obtain his Excellency the Governor's Permission — l
1 The Albany board advised Dr. Smith or Smyth, in a letter of this date
that it had no objection to his obtaining a pass to Canada, provided it was
allowed by Colonel W. Malcolm, commanding the northern department, and
Malcolm actually gave the pass on the i3th The minutes of October 17
and 1 8 show that the board vitiated this pass and put Smith under a recog-
ni/.ance and bail, limiting him " to remain within the Limits of his dwelling
546 State of New York
1780 A Petition signed by Wilhelmas Van Antwerp Esq? Jus
tice of the peace and a number of other well affected Inhabit
ants of Nistageune was laid before the Board, setting
forth that Margaret MfCulpin in Consequence of her Hus
band's having gone off to the Enemy has been ordered to
depart this State or remove to such Parts of it as are in the
Power of the Enemy and praying (on Account of the unex
ceptionable Character of the said Margaret M-Culpin)
that she may be permitted to remain at he[r] Habitation
unmolested —
Resolved in Consequence of the above Petition that a
Permit be granted to the said Margaret MfCulpin for the
purpose above mentioned —
Abraham Hoogteling at present in Confinement was
ordered to be brought before the Board and examined &
then recommitted —
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 14^ October 1780—
Oct. 14. ~ '
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( _ . n .
iL , n F_,I, •) Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda
John Kluck having been confined for being disaffected
to the American cause and deemed dangerous to the [248]
safety of the safety1 [state] was brought before the Board
and we judging his Confinement to have been sufficiently
long and he offering good Bail for his future good
Conduct —
House and Yard and not to depart the same ". On October 26, Smith
appealed to Governor Clinton, stated his plight and averred that the change
of base must have been inspired by some private enemy of his in the board. —
George Clinton Papers, nos. 3263, 3311, archives of New York State Library.
1 Error in the original manuscript.
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 547
Therefore resolved that he be liberated from Confine- nI78°
ment on his entering into Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon dur
ing the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
John Kluck of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck
Potter in .............................. £100
John Horn of the same place Butcher his
Bail in ............................... £100
John Decker Robison having been ordered to
deliver up John Smith to this Board agreeable to the Tenor
of his Recognizance appeared with the said John Smith
resolved that as the said Smith is indicted for a Robbery
committed at Frederick Berringer's that he be committed
in order that he may be tried —
Adjourned -
1780
Met Albany 15^ October 1780 Oct. 15.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T T^ T? j
^ ] Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher ) (
Whereas this Board has received Information that Col-
Malcolm the Commanding Officer in this place has granted
Permission to D- George Smith with his Family and Mr.s
Edgar to go to Canada and the present time being adjudged
very improper by this Board to permit the said persons to go
on account of the Enemy's being on the Frontiers -
It is therefore resolved that it be recommended to [249]
Col1 Malcolm to detain the said Doctor Smith and M-
Edgar untill their going can be no way Prejudicial —
Adjourned —
548 State of New York
1780 Met Albany 16^ October 1780
Oct. 16.^ J '
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) ( Isaac D. Fonda —
Resolved that Susannah Parie, John Barney and Nancy
Thompson who this Board has been informed are able to
prove several charges alledged against Angus McDonald and
D- Thomas Thompson be severally cited to appear before us
forthwith that they may be examined -
John Van Valkenburgh who lately left the Enemy at New
York and who is at present an Kinderhook being able to
give some very material information respecting sundry
inhabitants of this County now with the Enemy whereby the
Grand Jury will be able to proceed against them agreeable
to the Confiscation Law it is therefore resolved that he be
cited to appear at the next Supream Court to be held on the
third Tuesday in October instant —
Christian Smith of the East District of the Manor of
Rensselaerwyck being able to prove that John Smith was
concerned in the Robbery committed on Frederick Berringer
it is therefore resolved that he be cited also to appear at the
next Supream Court —
The Board having received information from Catharine
Burlingham that Alexander Keerklaer of New Scotland
has harboured and concealed Joseph Bettis an Emissary
from the [250] Enemy resolved in Consequence of the
said Information that the said Alexander Kerklaer be
ordered forthwith to appear before us to answer the above
charge —
Adjourned -
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 549
Met Albany 17^ October 1780.
T^ J ' ' Oct. 17.
Present
John M. Beeckman \ ( Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
A Letter from Doctor George Smith was laid before the
Board wherein he informs us that he has thought proper to
remove from this place to Fort Edward and the said Doctor
Smith having received express orders from this Board on no
pretence to leave the City — l
It is therefore resolved that a warrant be made out directed
to John Tillman Jun^ for the Apprehension of the said D*
Smith and his son Terence Smith -
Israel Smith of Brattleborough in the County of Cumber
land laid before the Board a Letter from Col- Eleazer Patter
son directed to his Excellency Governor Clinton by whom
the said Letter was referred to this Board which Letter is
in the words following (to wit) (See letter on File)
It appearing from the Contents of the above .Letter and
also from the Information of the said Israel Smith that
Timothy Church, Comfort Joy and Jonathan Mills Church
have held a Correspondence and kept up an Intercourse
with a certain Oliver Church now an Officer in the British
Army -
It is therefore resolved that a warrant be made out for the
immediate apprehension of the said Timothy [251] Church,
Comfort Joy and Jonathan Mills Church and that the said
warrant be inclosed in a Letter to Col- Paterson —
Resolved also that a citation be made out to Lieutenant
Joathan Church to appear before the Board forthwith in
order that he may be examined as to the above —
Adjourned -
1 Cf. the note under October 1 1 th
550 State of New York
1780 Met Albany 18^ October 1780
Oct. 18. r> J '
Present
John M. Beeckman | j Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer j ( Isaac D. Fonda
Col? Henry K. Van Rensselaer appeared before the Board
and informed that Nicholas Williams of the Easft] District
of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck has lately entertained in his
house his son who was on his way from New York to Canada
as an Express -
Resolved in Consequence of the above Information that
a warrant be made out for the Apprehension of the said
Nicholas Williams and that Col1. Rensselaer be requested
to procure a person to serve the same -
There being the greatest reason to suspect from D-
Smith's present conduct that he is endeavoring to mislead the
minds of weak and ignorant People it is therefore resolved
that he be sent for —
Doctor Smith appearing and being examined resolved
in order to prevent such Conduct in future that he enter
into Recognizance to remain within the Limits of his dwelling
House and Yard and not depart the same and that he do not
hold any Correspondence either by word or Deed upon [252]
Political Matters with any Person or Persons inimical to the
American cause which may tend to the Prejudice of this or the
United States of America, and appear before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon that he
shall remain under these Restrictions during the continuance of
the present war with Great Britain unless sooner discharged —
George Smith of the City of Albany Physician
in £300
Thomas Reed of the same place Gentleman
his Bail in £300
Adjourned
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 551
Met Albany 10^ October 1780 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer j ( Isaac D. Fonda
The Board having received information that the Reverend
Samuel Swertfeger does frequently go to the Hellebergh under
a Pretence of preaching the Gospel but in fact to inculcate
Doctrines tending to disaffect the minds of well disposed
Persons and he being at present in this City it is therefore
resolved that he be sent for —
The said Samuel Swertfeger appearing it is resolved that
he enter into Recognizance with a sufficient surety for his
good behaviour and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required & that
he do not depart the Limits of the District in which he at
present resides unless it be to preach the Gospel to the
different Congregations in whose Employ he at present is
and that he do not mislead the minds of his Heerors by in
culcating Principles inconsistant with the Freedom and
Independ- [253] ance of this and the United States —
Samuel Swertfeger of the East District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Clerk £100
William Zoble of the City of Albany Tobaco-
nist his Bail in £100
A Letter from Major Dickison at Stillwater dated the
1 8- Instant was laid before the Board wherein he informs
us that he has apprehended and sends to us under Guard a
certain Person who calls himself John M^Mullin who he sus
pects to be a spy from the Enemy, and the said John Mf-
Mullin being brought before the Board and examined there
upon resolved that he be committed and that a Mittimus be
made out for him —
552 State of New York
1780 The above mentioned John Mf Mullin having in the Course
of his Examination mentioned the Names of several Persons
at whose houses he was secreted and harboured on his way
into the Country and among others Patrick Ryan of the Green
Island in the Manor of Rensselaerwyck therefore resolved
that a warrant be made out for the immediate apprehension
of the said Patrick Ryan.
Resolved that a Letter be wrote to General Schuyler at
Saragtoga informing him of the Purport of M?Mullins
Examination -
Adjourned —
Met Albany 20^ October 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Mathew Visscher
r i
Samuel Stringer j ( Isaac D. Fonda
Patrick Ryan for whose apprehension a warrant [254]
was Yesterday made out was brought before the Board on
being examined he denies having seen John Mf Mullen at his
house —
Whereupon ordered that the said John M? Mullen be
brought before us -
The said John M? Mullen being interrogated as to the
charge by him alledged against the said Patrick Ryan con
fesses that the said Patrick Ryan was not at Home during the
time he was in his house whereupon resolved that the said
Patrick Ryan be discharged and that the said M? Mullen be
recommitted -
The Board having received information that a certain
James Ayres at present in this City is endeavouring at this
Time to dissuade Persons who are on their way to repel the
Incursions of the Enemy to throw down their Arms which
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 553
dangerous and distructive Principles having a Tendency to OI78°
subvert the Constitution of the State and the said James
Ayres being adjudged in the Opinion of this Board dangerous
to the safety and wellfare of the State
Therefore resolved that he be apprehended forthwith and
confined —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 21% October 1780 '78°
T. J ' Oct. 21.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T r^ T? j
•< Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer
The Board having received information that there is at
present in this City a certain Person whose conduct and
Conversation renders him very suspicious therefore [255]
resolved that Jacob Kidney the Door Keeper be ordered to
bring the said Person forthwith before the Board.
Jacob Kidney having agreeable to order apprehended the
above mentioned person and brought him before us On
being examined he says that his Names [sic] is James Small
and that he is resident in Cambridge District resolved
that he be confined untill he produces a Certificate of his
Character -
Thomas Bourn a Deserter from Burgoyne's Army and
William Allen of New Concord in Kings District having
been apprehended as appearing to be of Suspicious Char
acters and being examined and giving a satisfactory
Account of themselves therefore resolved that they be
discharged —
Received a Letter from Peter Cantine Esq- wherein he
informs us that he sends under Guard Hendrick Blunt,
Hendrick Bonistel, and Petrus Bonistel who are Persons
that are disaffected to the American Cause and whose going
554 State of New York
1780 at large at this time may be dangerous to the State resolved
in consequence of the above Letter that they be severally
confined and that a Mittimus be made out for them —
Adjourned -
'780 Met Albany 22^ October 1780 —
Oct. 22. ^ ' '
rresent
John M. Beeckman } ( T -ITT r>
:; ,n • f Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher
- jeremian v an n
Samuel Stringer >• -< T ^ ^ ,
, , . _. &. Isaac D. Fonda
A Letter from the Honorable Major General [256]
Schuyler was laid before the Board wherein he informs us
that he sends under Guard Hans Peter Snyder and James
Brisben Inhabitants of Saragtoga District for Harbouring
concealing and forwarding into the Country Spy's sent from
the Enemy, and also James Van Driesen who has come
from the Enemy in the Character of a Spy. resolved that
they be severally committed and that a Mittimus for that
purpose be made out —
Thomas Griffiths and Robert Reynolds two of Sir John
Johnson's party were brought before the Board on being
Examined they say they are Deserters from the Enemy
resolved that they be detained untill the Board are better
satisfied as to their Characters —
Adjourned —
I78o Met Albany 23? October 1780
Oct. 23. Present
John M. Beeckman ) f _
A/T L \7- i f i Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) (
A Letter from the Reverend Valentine Rath burn respect
ing a Number of Persons from New Lebanon at present
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 555
confined in Goal was laid before the Board which Letter OI78°
is in the words following (to wit) (see Letter on file) re
solved that the Consideration thereof be postponed till a
future day —
Thomas Griffiths and Robert Reynolds who were Yes
terday examined were again brought before the Board and
examined, their Examination's are in the words following
(to wit) (see Examinations on file)
James Van Driesen was Also brought before the [257]
Board and examined, his Examination is in the words fol
lowing (to wit) (see Examination on file)
Hans Peter Snyder was also brought before the Board
and examined and then ordered to be recommitted
Adjourned —
Met Albany 24^ October 1780 1780
T. ' Oct. 24.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f T
:; . 0 . 1 Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) (
A Negro Man having been sent to Goal by General
Schuyler who was apprehended on his way to the Enemy
was this day at the request of his Master brought before
the Board and being examined says he was persuaded to go
off by a certain Man Whose name is Shepherd who is one of
the people called Shaking Quakers —
Resolved that the said Negro Man be discharged -
Cap- Jacob Van Aernam appeared before the Board and
informed us that he had apprehended at the Hellebergh a
certain Jacob Schell formerly an Inhabitant of that place
but at present a Soldier in Sir John Johnson's Regiment and
the said Jacob Schell being examined says that he received
Directions from Sir John at the time he left him to inform
556 State of New York
1780 the inhabitants of the Country that those who did not take
Oct. 24.
up Arms would not be molested in their Persons or Property
by the Kings Troops — resolved that he be committed and
that a Mittimus be made out for him
Adjourned —
Oc7.%. t258] Met Alban7 25- October 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T ^ _ ,
:; . i Isaac D. ronda
Samuel Stringer
At the request of Col1- Paine the Board having met pro
ceeded to the Examination of John Mf Mullen his Exami
nation is in the following words (to wit) (see his Examination
on File) ordered that he be recommitted —
Jacob Schell and James Van Driesen were also brought
before the Board and examined and ordered to be
recommitted —
Adjourned —
Oc7.%. Met Albany 27^ October 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer j ( Isaac D. Fonda
Christian Frihart belonging to Sir John Johnson's Party
was brought before the Board and being examined says as
follows (to wit) (see Examination on file)
Benjamin Benton also belonging to Sir John's Corps
having been taken Prisoner and brought before the Board
was also examined his examination is in the words following
(to wit) (see Examination on File) -
Adjourned -
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 557
Met Albany 28^ October 1780 J78o
J ' Oct. 28.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T
^, , T7. , •} Isaac D. ronda
Mathew Visscher )
[259] Zepheniah Batchelor Esqf appeared before the
Board with Peter Jost an Inhabitant of Johnstown in Tryon
County who he informed us had gone to Sir John at the
Destruction of Caughnawaga and the said Peter Jost being
examined denies the above Charge and Offers to swear
that he was taken a Prisoner and says he is able to prove
the same by several creditable Persons and it appearing to us
from sundry Circumstances that what has been alledged by
the said Peter Jost is true
Therefore resolved that he be discharged -
Major Newkerk of Tryon County appeared before the
Board and informed us that among the Prisoners who are
ordered down to Fishkill there is a certain [blank] who has
always behaved himself as a peaceable subject of this
State & has been reputed a Friend to the American Cause
that he was last spring taken Prisoner by the Enemy and
joined Sir John for no other Purpose than that he might
have an Oppertunity of making his Escape, resolved there
fore that Col! Malcolm be requested to detain him —
Adjourned
Met Albany 29th October 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( c
AT i w L ") Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher (
A Letter was laid before the Board from the Hon^lf
Major General Schuyler wherein he informs us that he sends
to us under Guard two Prisoners named William Vrooman
558 State of New York
1780 and Henry Tinkey — That the said William Vrooman has
aided comforted and assisted a certain James Van [260]
Driesen a spy from the Enemy and that the said Henry
Tinkey has harboured and assisted John M^ Mullen also a
spy from the Enemy -
Resolved that they be severally committed and that a
Mittimus be made out for them -
In the above mentioned Letter of General Schuyler
mention is also made of a Number of Tory woemen who are
at present at Saragtoga and who are desirous of going to
Canada resolved that his Excellency the Governor be in
formed of the same by one of the Members of this Board and
that the necessity of their departure be pointed to him —
Adjourned
Met Alban7 3°~ October 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman [ ( Isaac D. Fonda
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer i ( Samuel Stringer
A Letter from Col- Macolm dated at Schenectady was laid
before the Board wherein he informs that he sends to us
under Guard two prisoners named Isaac Aerse and Adam
Hoofer who were of Sir John Johnson's Party at the time of
his destroying the Settlement of Schohary — resolved that
they be Examined -
The said Isaac Aerse and Adam Hoofer being examined
say as follows — (See their Examination on file) — ordered
that they be confined and that a Mittimus be made out for
them -
Cap- Blackley appeared before the Board and informed
us that agreeable to a warrant from this Board [261] (trans
mitted to Col1 Patterson on the 17th Instant) he had appre
hended Cap^ Timothy Church and Jonathan Mills Church
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 559
resolved that they be [brought] before [the] Board and 0I78°
severally Examined -
Cap- Timothy Church and Jonathan Mills Church
being examined say as follows (see their Examinations on
File) -
Lieu- Jonathan Church who was cited to appear this Day
before us as a Witness against the said Timothy Church &
Jonathan Mills Church appeared and was examined (see his
Examination on file) —
Resolved on Consideration of the above Examinations
that Jonathan Mills Church be discharged and that Timothy
Church be discharged on entering into a Recognizance for
his Appearance before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when called upon and for his good Behaviour
and doing his duty during the continuance of the present
war with Great Britain —
Timothy Church of Brattleborough in the
County of Cumberland Farmer in £30°
Benjamin Butterfield of the same place
Farmer his Bail in £200
Adjourned —
Met Albany 31^ October 1780 — 1780
Present °ct' 3"
John M. Beeckman ) ( n , 0 •
i • i Tr r» i 1 Samuel Stringer
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) (
Resolved that David Fairchilds be liberated from his
present Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his
good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required [262] during the continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
560 State of New York
1780 David Fairchilds of Ballstown in the County
Oct. 31. . /
of Albany r armer in £ 100
Mathew Fairchilds of the same place Taylor
his Bail in £100
John Leslie a Deserter from Sir John Johnson's Party
appeared before us and being examined and requesting Per
mission to go to his Excellency the Governor resolved that
he have the same granted him —
Adjourned
1780 Met Albany 6^? November 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman [ ( , n F /4
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) (
Hugh MfManus of Tryon County Constable appeared
before the Board with Albert Van Der Werken as a Prisoner
which said Van Der Werken he informs us he had appre
hended by order of Zepheniah Batchelor Esq- and some of
the other Justices of Tryon County and the said Albert Van
Der Werken being examined says that he last Spring went off
to Canada with Robert Snell that afterwards repenting of
what he had done he returned with an Intention of throwing
himself upon the Mercy of the Country —
Resolved that the said Albert Van Der Werken be ordered
to attend this Board to Morrow Morning and that he be
informed in the mean time his case will be taken into Con
sideration —
William Hoofer being brought before the Board [263] was
examined and then ordered to be recommitted -
Zepheniah Batchelor Esq- laid before the Board a return
of a Number of woemen whose Husbands are gone off to the
Enemy and who he has warned agreeable to the Act of the
Legislature of this State for the Removal of the Families
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 561
of Persons who have gone over to and joined the Enemy 1780
Ordered that the said return be filed -
A Letter from the Commissioners for Conspiracies at
Poughkeepsie dated the 3- Instant was laid before the Board
wherein the[y] inform us that they send to us a certain
William Laird an Inhabitant of Tryon County who says he
was taken Prisoner last spring by the Enemy and that he has
in Sir John's late Expedition made his escape from them
resolved that he be ordered to attend this Board to Morrow
Morning -
A Letter from Doctor George Smith1 was laid before the
Board wherein he sets forth the distressed Situation of his
Family by means of his being confined to his house and the
same being taken into Consideration resolved that he enter
into a Recognizance to remain within the Limits of this City
untill this Board shall think proper to discharge him from
these Restrictions and that he shall not hold Correspondence
upon Political Matters during that Time which may in any
manner be prejudicial to the United States —
George Smith of the City of Albany, Phy
sician in £500
Thomas Reed of the same Place Esq- his
Bail in £500
Adjourned
[264] Met Albany 7^? November 1780 *7So
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T
T . , w ^ 1 Isaac D. Fonda
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) (
Albert Van Der Werken who was Yesterday before the
Board and was ordered to attend again this day appeared
1 See note under date of October nth.
562 State of New York
1780 agreeable to order and prayed that Peter Sietz and MfCan-
non who have been Prisoners in Canada and were lately ex
changed might be examined and the said Persons being
Examined say while they were in Canada they saw Albert
Van Der Werken there and that he acted as a Bar Keeper
in a Tavern and they could not learn that he had taken up
Arms in the Enemies service —
Resolved in Consequence of the above information that
the said Albert Van Der Werken be permitted to go at large
on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when called upon during the
continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Albert Van Der Werken of Johns Town in
Tryon County Farmer in £200
Jacob Van Der Werken of the Sant Vlacte in
the County of Tryon Farmer his Bail .... £200
Johan Jost Warner having been bound for his Appear
ance at the Supream Court held in this City on the third
Tuesday in October last and there having been no Grand
Jury in that time —
Therefore resolved that the said Johan Jost Warner enter
[265] into Recognizance of anew for his Appearance at the
next Supream Court to be held at the City Hall in this City
on the third Tuesday in January next and not depart the
Court without Leave —
Johan Jost Warner of Schohary Farmer in. . £100
Resolved that the said Johan Jost Warner also enter into
a Recognizance for the appearance of his wife Margaret
Warner at the next Supream Court —
Johan Jost Warner Bail for his wife Margaret
Warner in £50
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 563
William Laird appearing agreeable to the Order of 1780
Yesterday resolved that he enter into Recognizance for his
Appearance before Zepheniah Batchelor Esq- of Tryon
County with a sufficient surety to enter into Recognizance
for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called
upon during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
William Laird of Kingsborough in Tryon
County Farmer in £100
Jacob Van Der W7erken of the Sant Vlacte in
Tryon County Farmer his Bail in £100
Adjourned —
Met Albany 8^? November 1780 I78o
Present N°v. 8.
John M. Beeckman ) ( T
T • i XT r> i I Isaac D. ronda
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) (
William Loucks appeared before the Board agreeable to
our order and being examined says as follows (to wit) (see
Examination on File)
Information having been received from M- [266] Camp
bell who lately was exchanged and came from Canada that
John Docksteder of Tryon County did last Spring take into
his House a wounded Soldier of Sir John Johnson's Party
and that he did after the said Soldier was recovered for
some time keep him in his House in woman's Cloath's
untill he made his Escape to Canada — It is in Consequence
thereof resolved that a warrant be made out for the said
John Dockstader and transmitted to Zepheniah Batchelor
Esq- to have the same served as soon as possible -
Adjourned -
564 State of New York
i?80 Met Albany g^ November 1780 —
Nov. Q. ^ J y '
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( , ^ ^ ,
. ,7 \ Isaac D. Fonda
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) (
Resolved that William Shanklin be liberated from Con
finement on his entering into a Recognizance with a suffi
cient surety for his good Behaviour doing his duty and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con
spiracies when thereunto required during the Continuance
of the present war with Great Britain -
William Shanklin of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Labourer in. . . £100
Andrew Shanklin of the City of Albany La
bourer Bail in £100
Col1. Anthony Van Bergen appeared before the Board and
informed us that a Number of disaffected Persons have of
late associated back of Cooksakie under a Pretence of
Religious worship but that he is well persuaded from the
Political Chara[c]ters of the said persons and other Circum
stances [267] that such meetings are only held to Deliberate
upon such Matters as may tend to injure the American Cause
to prevent which in future
It is resolved that a warrant be made out and delivered
to Col1 Van Bergen for the Apprehension of the persons
above described and that he be requested to have the same
served as soon as possible —
Abraham Hooghteling was brought before us and exam
ined on his Examination he says that a Number of persons
have been lately enlisted by Jacob Halenbeeck at Niscuthaw
and places adjacent and that their Intention is early in the
spring to Join the Enemy which Examination is in the
words following (to wit) (See Examination on file)
Adjourned -
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 565
Met Albany iot!? November 1780 1780
r> J Nov. 10.
Present
John M. Beeckman _. _ .
T . , T7 n i Isaac D Fonda
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer v 1 „ . 0 .
TV/T i w i ( i oamuel btnnger
Mathew Visscher (
The Board taking into Consideration the Examination of
Abraham Hooghteling who was examined Yesterday Re
solved in Consequence thereof that the Hon— Brigadier
Gen- Ten Broeck be requested to order a party of the Cook-
sakie Militia now in this City to go and apprehend all such
Persons as are mentioned in the Examination of the said
Abraham Hooghteling —
General Ten Broeck having appointed Lieu- Rykert Van
Den Bergh with a Party of Col1 Van Bergens Regiment to
go and apprehend the said Persons — Resolved that Instruc
tions be made for him which Instructions are in the words
following (to wit) (See instructions on File)
[268] It appearing also from Hoogteling's Examination
that a Number of Persons in Livingston's Manor are con
cerned in the Enlistment mentioned in the said Examina
tion therefore resolved that General Ten Broeck be also
requested to detach a Party of that Quarter for the Appre
hension of all such Persons and that Instructions be made
out to the Officer who is to command the said party which
Instructions are in the following words (to wit) (see Copy
Instructions on File)
The Board having received information that John Walty-
mier who frequently passes thro the Country as an Express
from the enemy crosses Hudsons River at Hendrick Claws
who lives near the Kinderhook Landing an[d] that said
Claw harbours Waltymier It is therefore resolved that a
Letter be wrote to Col1- Abraham Van Alstyne requesting
566 State of New York
him to have the said Hendnck Clauw apprehended and
Nov. 10.
brought before us —
Lieu- Rykert Van Den Bergh having in Consequence of
our warrant apprehended Jacob Halenbeeck Jun- and he
being brought before the Board and examined resolved
that he be committed and that a Mittimus be made out for
him —
Resolved that General Ten Broeck be requested to detach
a Party of Col1- Van Ness's Regiment to go to Coyemans
and there to take Charge of and bring to Goal such Prison
ers as may be delivered over to him by Lieu- Van Den
Bergh -
Alexander Bryant of the Half Moon [269] was brought
before us by Col1. Schoonhoven in order that he might be
examined as to sundry disaffected Persons and the said
Bryant being examined his Examination is as follows (to
wit) (see Examination on File)
Adjourned -
1780 Met Albany ii*h November 1780
Nov' "• Present
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) { Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher j ( Isaac D. Fonda
Abraham Hoogteling was ordered to be brought
before the Board & being again Examined ordered that
he be recommitted -
Cap* Cornelius Hogeboom appeared before the Board and
informed that he had agreeable to the Directions received
from us proceeded to Coyemans where he had received of
Lieu- Van Den Bergh the following persons as Prisoners
(to wit) John Witbeeck, Nicholas Huyck, Johannis Huyck
Jun1, Peter Huyck, David Van Dyck, William Hoogteling,
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 567
Johannis Witbeeck, Henry Huyck, Joachim Collyer, John NI78°T
Schram, John Ver Plank, Peter Finehout, and William
Plato — resolved that they be severally committed and that
a Mittimus be made out for them —
William Plato one of the persons above mentioned was
ordered to be brought before us for Examination on being
Examined he says as follows (to wit) (See his Examination
on File) —
It appearing from the Examination of James Van Driesen
that Archibald MfNeal and Ezekiel Ensign of [270]
Saragtoga Jo[t]ham Bemus of Stillwater and some others
have carried on a Correspondence with the Enemy and
have aided comforted and assisted Parties going to and
coming from the enemy It is resolved in Consequence
of the said Information that a warrant be made out for the
immediate apprehension of the said Persons and that the
same be forthwith transmitted to General Schuyler now at
Saragtoga —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 12- November 1780 I78o
Present Nov- I2-
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Lieu- Van Den Bergh appeared before the Board and
informed us that he had agreeable to our warrant appre
hended John Coenly, Lowrence Deal and Beriah Kelly and
they being severally produced and Examined resolved that
they be committed and that a Mittimus be made out directed
to the Goaler to take them into his Custody and detain
them until discharged by an order of this Board —
Adjourned
568 State of New York
1780 Met Albany i^~ November 1780 —
Hov- '»• Present
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( _
•L . 0 . 1 1saac D. Fonda
Samuel btnnger ) (
Captain Bleecker of Col! Gansevoort's Regiment appeared
before the Board and informed us that he had agreeable to
a warrant of this Board delivered to him by Gen- Schuyler
apprehended Archibald M?Neal, Ezekiel Ensign [271]
Jotham Bemus and Joseph Carr and they being severally
brought in & Examined resolved that they be committed and
that a Mittimus be made out to the Sheriff" to take them into
his Custody and safely keep until discharged by this Board.
Lowrence Deal and John Coenly who were Yesterday
confined were ordered to be brought before the Board and
examined their Examinations are as follows (to wit) (see
Examination on file) ordered that they be recommitted —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 14^ November 1780
Present
Mathew Visscher ) ( Samuel Stringer
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Peter Finehout was brought before the Board and exam
ined his Examination is as follows (to wit) (see Examination
on File)
The Board having been informed that Hoogteling and
Lena Hoogteling residing at Aquatuck will be able to give
Information respecting the Persons apprehended in that
Quarter and who are at present in Confinement therefore
resolved that they be severally cited to appear before us to
Morrow Morning at 10 OClock —
Cap* Coenradt Klyne appeared before the Board &
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 569
informed that agreeable to an order of this Board he had _ T78°
Nov. 14.
apprehended Henry Smith Jim- , Henry Bonestel, James
MfCoy, John Harvey, John Bunt, John Snoeck, Thomas
Whiting, John Hoogteling and Henry Hoogteling and they
being brought before the Board and examined ordered that
they be committed and that [272] a Mittimus be made put
for them — 1
A Letter from Col- Peter Livingston was laid before the
Board dated the n— Instant wherein he informs us that
he sends an Examination of Anna Proper respecting James
M?Coy which Examination is as follows (to wit) (see
Examination on File) —
A Letter from Col- Henry J. Van Rensselaer was laid
before the Board dated i6*h Instant respecting John Harvey
who was lately apprehended and brought to Goal by Cap-
Coenradt Klyne in which Letter he informs us that the said
Harvey is a very dangerous Person ordered that the said
Letter be filed —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 15^ November 1780
Present
Mathew Visscher
Isaac D. Fonda
j Samuel Stringer
Resolved that William Lees be liberated from Confine
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his Appearance
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required doing his duty & be of the good
Behaviour for and during the Continuance of the present
war with Great Britain —
1 Captain Cline, Kline or Klyne, was paid ,£9 u o /, 2d. in " hard money "
for this service. The original voucher is in Revolutionary Manuscripts,
vol. 40, p. 162, State Comptroller's office.
570 State of New York
1780 William Lees of Nistageune in the County of
Albany Blacksmith in £100
Jesse Fairchild of the City of Albany Black
smith his Bail in £100
The Board having received information that [273] Joseph
Stalker of the East District of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck
is knowing to several Villianies committed by persons living
at New Scotland such as harbouring spies from the Enemy
&- resolved that the said Joseph Stalker be cited to appear
before us on Friday next in Order to his being Examined
as to the above
Resolved that Johannis Huyck be liberated from Con
finement on his entering into a recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required for and during the Continuance of the present war
with Great Britain —
Johannis Huyck of Hackatough in the County
of Albany Labourer in £100
Gerrit Van Wie of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Cordwainer his
Bail in £100
Resolved that Jacob Halenbeeck Jun- be liberated from
Confinement on his entering into a Recognizance for his
remaining within the Limits of the Dwelling house and
Yard of Samuel Pruyn situate within the third Ward of
this City until discharged from the said Restrictions by this
Board or any other three of the Commissioners for Con
spiracies and for his good Behaviour during that Time —
Jacob Halenbeeck Jun- of Klinkenbergh in
the County of Albany Farmer in £500
Jacob Halenbeeck of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £500
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 571
Resolved that Tames Whitacre be discharged from Con-
. .
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
[274] Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there
unto required for and during the Continuance of the present
War with Great Britain —
James Whitacre of Nistageune in the County
of Albany Labourer in £100
Williams Lees of the same place Blacksmith
his Bail in £100
Adjourned -
Met Albany 16^ November 1780 1780
Present Nov- l
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( John M. Beeckman
Samuel Stringer ) ( Mathew Visscher
Resolved that John Hocknel be discharged from Confine
ment on his entering into a Recognizance for his good Behav
iour, doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required for
and during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
John Hocknel of the West District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in £100
Peter Scharp of the City of Albany Carpenter
his Bail in £100
Col- Abraham Van Alstyne having agreeable to a Request
of this Board of the 10- Instant caused Hendrick Clauw
to be apprehended and brought before us and the said Clauw
being examined and it appearing probable to this Board
from his Examination and other [275] Circumstances that
he is innocent of the Crime laid to his Charge but as the said
Hendrick Clauw is reputed a disaffected Person -
572 State of New York
Therefore resolved that previous to his being discharged
he enter into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing
his duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required for and during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain and
for his procuring a good sufficient Bail on or before the 25-
day of November Instant —
Hendrick Clauw of the District of Kinder-
hook in the County of Albany Carpenter in £100
James Van Driesen was brought before the Board &
examined and ordered to be recommitted —
Resolved that Joseph Hawkins be liberated from Confine
ment on his entering into a Recognizance for his good Be
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required for
and during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain and for his remaining within the Limits of this City
and not departing the same (unless it be to do Militia or other
Military Duty) without the Consent and Approbation of this
Board —
Joseph Hawkins of Kingsbury in the County
of Charlotte Yeoman in £100
William Shepherd of the City of Albany
Cutler his Bail in £100
Adjourned —
Nov. 17. [276] Met Albany 17^ November 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman | ( Samuel Stringer
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer j (. Mathew Visscher
Resolved that John Bont be discharged from Confinement on
his entering into a Recognizance for his future good Behaviour
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 573
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com- 1780
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required for and
during the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain.
John Bont of Claverack District Weaver in . . £100
John Decker Robison of the same place
Carpenter his Bail in £50
Elisha Talmidge of the same place Black
smith also his Bail in £50
Resolved that Peter I. Miller be discharged from Con
finement on his entering into a Recognizance for his future
good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required for and during the continuance of the present war
with Great Britain.
Peter I. Miller of Claverack District Wheel
wright in £100
John Decker Robison of the same place
Carpenter his Bail in £ 50
Elisha Talmidge of the same place Black
smith also his Bail in £ 50
Resolved that Joel Platt be discharged from Confinement
on his entering into a Recognizance for his future [277]
good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required for and during the continuance of the Present war
[with] Great Britain.
Joel Pratt of New Lebanon in the Count)
of Albany Farmer in £100
Ase Stower of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Resolved that Joseph Meacham be discharged from Con
finement on his entering into a Recognizance for his future
574 State of New York
1780 good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the continuance of the present war with
Great Britain -
Joseph Meacham of New Lebanon in the
County of Albany Farmer in £100
Isaac Garnsey of Half Moon District Farmer
Bail in £100
Resolved that Hezekiah Hammond be discharged from
Confinement on his entering into a Recognizance for his
future good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the continuance of the present
war with Great Britain
Hezekiah Hammond of the State of Masse-
chusets Bay Farmer in £100
Isaac Garnsey of Half Moon District Farmer
his Bail in £ 50
Ase Stower of New Lebanon in the County
of Albany Farmer also his his Bail in. ... £ 50
M- Mills wife of Abel Mills appeared before the Board
agreeable to order and was examined her examination is as
follows (to wit) (see Examination on File) —
[278] A Letter from Samuel Ten Broeck Esq- of Living
ston's Manor was laid before the Board by Harmanus Rose
Constable with an Examination respecting Thomas M^ Feal
who said Harmanus Rose informed us he had apprehended
and had in his Custody and the said Thomas M? Feal being
Examined resolved that he be committed and that a Mittimus
be made out for him —
Johannis Shaver Esq- and Cap- John Decker Robison
appeared before the Board and informed us that Peter Bean
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 575
is a dangerous and disaffected person and that he endeavours
by his Conversation to intimidate weak & ignorant persons
and that John Bartle is also a dangerous and disaffected
person in Consequence of which Information
Resolved that Major Samuel Ten Broeck of Livingston's
Manor be requested to have the said Peter Bean and John
Bartle apprehended and forthwith sent to us.
Adjourned.
Met Albany 18^ November 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Mathew Visscher
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer j ( Samuel Stringer
Resolved that Calvin Harlow be discharged from Confine
ment on his entering into a Recognizance for his future good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the Present war with Great
Britain -
Calvin Harlow of New Lebanon in the
County of Albany Farmer in £100
Joseph Meacham of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
[279] Resolved that Hans Sneack be discharged from Con
finement on his entering into a Recognizance for his future
good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the continuance of the present war with
Great Britain.
Hans Sneack of Claverack District Farmer in . £100
John Decker Robison of the same place
Farmer his Bail in . . £100
576 State of New York
X78o Resolved that John Harvey be discharged from Confine-
Nov. 18. . . .
ment on his entering into a recognizance for his good Be
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto re
quired during the continuance of the present war with Great
Britain.
John Harvey of Claverack District Farmer in £100
Jacob F. Shaver of Livingstons Manor Esqr
his Bail in ............................ £100
Resolved Beriah Kelly be discharged from Confinement
on his entering into a Recognizance for his future good
behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain.
Beriah Kelly of Norwich in the State of
Connecticut in ......................... £100
Ezra Cleveland of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer his
Bail in ................................ £100
Adjourned.
Albany 20*h November 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f p , c .
r -. , Tr. i Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) (.
Resolved That Thomas Ayres be discharged from confine
ment on his entering into a Recognizance for his future good
behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereinto [sic]
required during the continuance of the present war with
Great Britain
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 577
Thomas Ayres of New Lebanon in the County 1780
r AIL T L • r Nov- 20-
of Albany Labourer in £100
Peter Ayres of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
The Board having from sundry Circumstances the greatest
reason to think that the Information of Abraham Hoogteling
was entirely false and as several persons have been confined
on account of the same therefore resolved that the said
persons be discharged from Confinement, but as all of them
have from the Commencement of the present Contest been
disaffected to the American Cause it is ordered that previous
to their discharge they severally enter into a Recognizance
for their good Behaviour doing their duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain.
Johannis I. Witbeeck of Niscuthaw Farmer in £100
Cornelius Van Der Zee of the same place
Farmer his Bail in £100
Johannis L. Witbeeck of Acquatough in the
County of Albany Farmer in £100
[281] Isaac Witbeeck of Cooksakie Farmer
his Bail in £100
Nicholas Huyck of Acquatough Farmer in. . £100
Cornelius Huyck of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer his Bail
in £100
John Ver Plank of Hacketock Farmer in.. . £100
Cornelius Huyck of the west district of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer his
Bail in. . £100
578 State of New York
1780 Hendrick Huyck of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. ... £100
Hendrick Van Sante of Ni[s]cuthaw Farmer
his Bail in £100
David Van Dyck of Niscuthaw Farmer in. . £100
Eli Arnold of the City of Albany Cooper his
Bail in £100
Wouter Witbeeck of Manettenhook Farmer
in £100
Peter W. Hilton of the City of Albany Cooper
his Bail in £100
Joachim Collier of Cooksakie Farmer in. . . £100
Isaac Witbeeck of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Isaac Huyck of Hacketock Farmer in £100
Isaac Witbeck of Cooksakie Farmer his Bail
in £100
Cornelius Huyck of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer his
Bail in £100
Resolved that Lowrence Deal, John Garret and John
Coenly severally enter into a recognizance for their future
good behaviour doing their duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there
unto required during the Continuance of the present war
with Great Britain & also for their appearance at the next
Supreme Court of Judicature to be held for the State of New
York at the City Hall in this City on the third Tuesday in
January next (or wheresoever the [282] said Court shall
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 579
then be held in the State aforesaid) and not depart the
Nov. 20.
Court without Leave.
Lowrance Deal of Cooksakie Farmer in .... £100
Cornelius Conine of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
John Garret of Cooksakie District Farmer
in £100
Richard Bronck of the same place Esqf his
Bail in £100
John Coenly of Cooksakie District Farmer
in £100
Cornelius Conine of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
It being suggested to the Board that Simeon Garret who
lives upon the Farm formerly occupied by John Waltymier
has frequent Intercourse with the said Waltymier and
harbours him when on his way through the Country
resolved in Consequence of the said Information that the
said Simeon Garret be cited to appear before this Board
forthwith
Adjourned.
Met Albany 21st. November 1780 WT78°
r> ' Nov. 21.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( 0 , n .
. . Tr •< bamuel Stringer
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer j (
Df George Smith appeared before the Board & informed
us that from an Expectation of going to Canada he has
disposed of all his Effects and that he is greatly reduced in
his Circumstances and finds it impossible to maintain his
family in this City and being desirous of removing to the
580 State of New York
1780^ Farm at present occupied by John Jolley situate in the west
District of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck resolved that he
have Permission granted him for that Purpose on his enter
ing into a Recognizance for his remaining within the Limits
of the said Farm and not [283] leaving the same without
Leave previously obtained for that purpose from this Board
and that he shall not during his residence at the said [farm]
correspond with or in any Manner whatsoever give any
Intelligence to the Enemies of this or the United States and
for his good Behaviour during the said time and for his
appearance when called upon.
George Smith of the City of Albany Physi
cian in £100
Patrick Smith of the same place Merchant
his Bail in £100
Resolved that William Bartow, Jacob Halenbeeck, Jun%
Peter Finehout, Ebenezer Stanton, Nathan Stanton, Arnold
Skoelfield, Peter Huyck, and William Hoogteling, be
severally discharged from Confinement on entering into
Recognizance for their good Behaviour doing their duty and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con
spiracies when called upon during the Continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
William Bartow of Cooksakie District La
bourer in £100
Myndert Van Schaick of the same place
Farmer his Bail in £100
Jacob Halenbeeck Jun^ of Klinkenbergh
Farmer in £100
Samuel Pruyn of the City of Albany Yeo
man his Bail in £100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 581
Peter Finehout of Acquatough Labourer in. . £100
Daniel G. Van Antwerp of the same place
Farmer his Bail in ..................... £100
Ebenezer Stanton of Cooksakie District
Farmer in ............................ £100
Daniel G. Van Antwerp of the same place
Farmer his Bail in ..................... £100
Nathan Stanton of Cooksakie District Farmer
in .................................... £100
Daniel G. Van Antwerp of the same place
Farmer his Bail in ..................... £100
[284] Arnold Skolfield of the west District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck in ......... £100
Wilhelmas Row of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ............................ £100
Peter Huyck of Auckquetuck Farmer in. . . £100
Michael Klink of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ............................ £100
William Hoogteling of Niscuthaw Farmer in . £100
Michael Klink of Auckquetough Farmer his
Bail in ............................... £100
Resolved that Philip Philips be discharged on his entering
into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing his duty
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when thereunto required during the continu
ance of the present war with Great Britain
Philip Philips of the Eas[t] District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Weaver in ..... £100
Thomas Knowlton of the same plac[e] Farmer
his Bail in ............................ £100
Adjourned.
582 State of New York
1780 Met Albany 22- November 1780 —
Nov. 22. J '
Present
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( c i c •
•> . _ _ _ « Samuel Stringer
John M. Beeckman j [
A Certificate was laid before the Board signed by CoH
Killian Van Rensselaer and sundry other Officers certifying
that the said John Low who is at present in Confinement has
ever evinced a warm Attachment to the American Cause and
has been ready on every Occasion to do his duty in the Militia
Resolved in Consequence of the same that the said [285]
John Low be discharged on entering into a Recognizance
for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
called upon during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain.
John Low of the East District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Yeoman in £100
Nicholas Low of the same place Gentleman
his Bail in £100
Whereas James Bramley and Peter Livingstone of the
Hellebergh have been severally cited to appear before this
Board and refused and neglected to do the same it is there
fore resolved that a warrant be made out directed to Cap*
Jacob Van Aernam authorizing him to apprehend the said
James Bramley and Peter Livingstone and forthwith bring
them before us at the City Hall in this City —
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 23f November 1780 —
Nov. 23.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( c i c •
T T. - Samuel Stringer
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer J (
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 583
Resolved that Johannis Huyck be discharged from Con- NI78°
finement on his entering into a Recognizance for his future
good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of [the] Commissioners for Conspiracies when there
unto required during the Continuance of the present war
with Great Britain —
Johannis Huyck of Acquatough in the County
of Albany Farmer in £100
[286] Peter Van Wie of the West District of"
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer his
Bail in £100
Resolved that Andries Loucks be discharged from Con
finement on Frederick Cranse entering into a Recognizance
for the good Behaviour of the said Andries Loucks & for
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Frederick Cranse of the Hellebergh Farmer
as Bail for Andries Loucks in £100
Resolved that Johan Jost Warner be discharged on
entering into a Recognizance for his future good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain -
Johan Jost Warner of Schohary in the County
of Albany Labourer in £100
Philippus Warner of the Bever Dam Farmer
his Bail in £100
Resolved that Nicholas Sea be discharged from Confine
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his future good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
584 State of New York
2 recluired during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
Nicholas Sea of Schohary Farmer in £100
Philippus Warner of the Bever Dam Farmer
his Bail in £100
A Letter from the Commissioners for Conspiracies at
Poughkeepsie was laid before the Board wherein they [287]
inform that they send to us a certain John Davis of Tryon
County whom they have caused to be apprehended on sus
picion of his having stolen two Horses —
Resolved that the said John Davis be committed until
an inquiry can be made into the Crime wherewith he stands
Charged -
Adjourned —
Nov. 24. Met Albany 24^ November 1780 —
Present
John M. Beeckman | j Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer j ( Isaac D. Fonda
John Bartle agreeable to an order of this Board of the 7-
Instant appeared and the crime as alledged against him
being read to him and he denying the same resolved that the
said John Bartle have Permission granted him to appear
again on the 4^ day of December next and bring with him
such Evidences as he may think Proper to invalidate the
said Charge
Also Resolved that Cap- Robison be informed of the
Proceedings respecting John Bartle and that he be requested
also to attend on that day -
Hugh M^Manus appeared before the Board and informed
that agreeable to our order he had apprehended John
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 585
Docksteder and the said Docksteder being Examined and it
i i_ • i • -11 Nov' 2
appearing that he is not the person who it was intended
Should be apprehended therefore resolved that he be dis
charged —
Resolved that Hendrick Bonistel be discharged from
Confinement on his entering into a Recognizance for his
good Behaviour doing his duty [288] and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the Continuance of the present
war with Great Britain -
Hendrick Bonistel of Claverack District
Labourer in £100
John Blunt of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Adjourned —
Met Albany 25- November 1780 1780
Present Nov- 2
John M. Beeckman ) ( T r> T^ j
. _ . K Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer J (
Simeon Garret appeared before the Board this day
agreeable to our order and being Examined as to his Con
nection with John Waltymier he says as follows (see his
Examination on file) —
Resolved that the said Simeon Garret be discharged on
his entering into Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when called upon during the Con
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain and for his
procuring a sufficient Bail by the 2"*? day of December next —
Simeon Garret of Cooksakie District Farmer
in . . . £100
586 State of New York
1780 James Bramley having been apprehended by Cap- Jacob
Van Aernam and brought before the Board resolved that he
be confined and that a Mittimus be made out to the Goaler
commanding him to detain and keep in close Confinement
the said James Bramley until discharged by an order of this
Board —
Adjourn[e]d
No£826. [289l Met Albany a6th November 1780 -
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T . , w n ,
. •< Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
Samuel Stringer
James Hamilton appeared before the Board and informed
us that having agreeable to directions received from Captain
Jacob Van Aernam apprehended James Bramley and being
on his way to this City with said Bramley in order to bring
him before the Board, David Gibson did assault him the
said James Hamilton and endeavoured to rescue the said
Bramley —
Resolved in Consequence of the above Information that a
warrant be made out for the immediate apprehension of the
said David Gibson and that the said warrant be directed to
the said James Hamilton and that he be authorized in case
any Resistance should be made by the said Gibson or any
other Person to call to his assistance such a Number of Per
sons as he may think proper to carry the above warrant into
Execution -
Adjourned
Nov827. Met Alban7 27- November 1780
Present
Mathew Visscher | f Isaac D. Fonda
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 587
James Bramley who was on the 25- Instant confined was NoI78°
brought before the Board and examined ordered that he be
recommitted —
David Gibson who was agreeable to a warrant issued
Yesterday apprehended and confined was also brought
before the Board and examined and it appearing from
sundry Circum-fzQoJstances that the said David Gibson has
been uniformly attached to the American Cause and has on
every Occasion done his duty and acknowledged his Error
in attempting to rescue James Bramley therefore resolved
that the said David Gibson be discharged and cautioned
against such conduct in future —
The Board having received Information that Peter Waley
of the Hellebergh is a disaffected Person and that he conceals
himself in the woods to Escape doing Militia and other duty
and he being at present at Home — resolved that a warrant
be made out directed to Richard Hilton to apprehend the
said Peter Waley and forthwith bring him before us —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 28th November 1780 — 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f c i o •
J •{ Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher
Richard Hilton appeared before the Board and informed
us that agreeable to our warrant he had apprehended Peter
Waley and he being brought before us and examined re
solved that he be committed and that a Mittimus be made out
for him —
John Ab: Pearson appeared before the Board for the
Purpose of entering into a Recognizance as Bail for Simeon
Garret resolved that he enter into the same for the good
Behaviour of the said Simeon Garret and for his doing his
588 State of New York
1780 duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the Con
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain -
[291] John Ab. Pearson of Niscuthaw in the
County of Albany Farmer as Bail for
Simeon Garret in £100
Adjourned -
Met Albany 29^ November 1780-
Present
John M. Beeckman | j Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer J ( Mathew Visscher
Resolved that Thomas Purchase be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required dur
ing the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain -
Thomas Purchase of New-town in the County
of Albany Farmer in £100
Jacob Ostrander of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Anna Proper of Livingston's Manor having been directed
by Coll Peter Livingston to appear before this Board to be
examined with Respect to the Conduct of sundry disaffected
persons of Livingston's Manor appeared and was Examined
which Examination is as follows (to wit) (see Examina
tion on File)
A Letter from Col- Peter Livingston respecting Anna
Proper was laid before the Board and the same being read
was ordered to be filed -
A Letter from Col? Henry J. Van Rensselaer dated the
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 589
Instant respecting John Harvey a Prisoner now in NI78°
Confinement was laid before the Board and the sa me being
[292] read was ordered to be filed —
A Letter from the Board of Commissioners for Con
spiracies at Poughkeepsie dated the 24— Instant respecting
Ann Standerren was also laid before the Board and the same
being read was ordered to be filed —
Resolved that Jacob I. Truax be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Be
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain and also for his appearance at the next Supream
Court of Judicature to be held for the State of New York
at the City Hall in the City of Albany on the third Tuesday
in January next (or wheresoever the said Court shall then
be held in the State Aforesaid) and not depart the Court
without Leave -
Jacob I. Truax of the City of Albany Inn
keeper in £100
Isaac I. Truax of the County of Albany Inn
keeper his Bail in £50
John W. Truax of D°. . . .D°. . . .D°. . . .in. . £50
Adjourned -
Met Albany 30- November 1780 — I7ro
Nov. 30.
Present
John M Beeckman }
Samuel Stringer
The Board proceeded to the Consideration of the Charge
alledged against Robert Caldwell whereupon it is resolved
that he be discharged on his entering into a Recognizance
590 State of New York
1780 with a sufficient surety for his good Behaviour doing his
duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
[293] for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the
Continuance of the present war with Great Britain -
Robert Caldwell of Schacktikook in the
County of Albany Weaver in £100
Robert Todd of the Half Moon District in
the County of Albany Weaver his Bail in . . £ 50
Dirck Scouting of the same place Farmer
also his Bail in £50
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 2"? December 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman )
Samuel Stringer j
A Letter from Ebenezer Russell Esq— dated White Creek
the 1 8— November last was laid before the Board wherein
he sets forth the distressed Situation of the Family of Samuel
Burns now a Prisoner confined in the Goal in this City and
requesting that the said Burns may be admitted to Bail if
is can be done consistently with the safety of the State
which Letter being read ordered that the same be filed and
that the Consideration thereof be postponed till a future Day —
A Letter from Major Richard Esselstyne of Claverack
was also laid before the Board wherein he requests that
Henry Hoogteling an Inhabitant of Claverack District may
be liberated from Confinement and offering to become
surety for the said Hoogteling which Letter being read
ordered that the same be filed and taken into Consideration
on Monday next —
Adjourned -
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 591
[294] Met Albany 4^ December 1780 -
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f ,.. .
n i o • 1 Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer j (
It having been suggested to the Board that William Tyler
is gone to Canada and has Joined the enemy and Amos
Lucas having became [sic] surety for the Appearance of the
said William Tyler when called upon resolved in Conse
quence of the said Information that an order be made
out and sent to the said Amos Lucas forthwith to deliver
him up to this Board or to pay the Recognizance
Money —
The Board having been informed that from the Asser
tions of some Persons at present with the Enemy there is
good Reason to suppose that William Laird at present resid
ing at Johnstown who some time ago entered into a Recog
nizance before us to appear when called upon is at present
enlisting Men for the service of the enemy with whom he
intends to join them as soon as they make a descent into the
Country — resolved in Consequence of the said Information
that the said William Laird be cited to appear forthwith
before this Board & that the Citation for the said Laird be
inclosed in a Letter to Zepheniah Batchelar Esq- and that
he be requested to have the same served -
The Board then proceeded to the Consideration of the
Letter of Major Esselstyne delivered to this Board on the
2— d Instant resolved in Consequence of the said Letter that
Henry Hoogteling be discharged from Confinement on his
entering into a Bond conditioned for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and [295] appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
592
State of New York
1780 during the Continuance of the Present War with Great
Dec. 4.
Britain -
Henry Hoogteling of Claverack in the County
of Albany Farmer in £100
Resolved that the above mentioned Bond be transmitted
to Major Esselstyne in order that he may sign the same as
Surety for Henry Hoogteling.
Thomas Yarns was brought before the Board and exam
ined and then ordered to be Recommitted -
Resolved upon the Application of William Lees, That Ann
Standerren (who was some time ago sent to Poughkeepsie
on Account of her Influence in bringing over Persons to the
Persuasion professed by the People called Shaking Quakers
the said Persuasion having a Tendency to alienate the
minds of the People from their Allegiance to the State by
inculcating an Opinion of the Unlawfulness of taking up
Arms in defence of the American Cause) and it appearing
that many of the Persons of the said Persuasion have been
reformed and that no further Evil is to be apprehended
from her Influence or Example therefore resolved that the
said Ann Standerren have Permission to return to Nistageune
on the said William Lees and James Whitakre entering into
a Bond conditioned for the said Ann Standerren's appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required for her good Behaviour and not
saying or consenting to any Matters or Things inconsistant
with the Peace and safety of this and the United States
William Lees of Nistageuna in the County of
Albany Blacksmith as Bail for Ann
Standerren in £100
James Whitacre of the same place Yeoman
also her Bail in. . £100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 593
[296] Met Albany ^- December 1780 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f T
^ . 0 . i Isaac D. Fonda
bamuel btrmger ) (.
Nicholas Sea appearing before the Board requests that
Christian Weaver may be accepted as his Surety instead of
Philip Warner whereupon resolved that the said Christian
Weaver be accepted accordingly and that he enter into a
Recognizance for the good Behaviour of the said Nicholas
Sea and for his doing his Duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon
during the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain
Christian Weaver of Schohary in the County
of Albany Farmer as Bail for Nicholas
Sea in £100
Adjourned —
Met Albany 6- December 1780 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j ( Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
The Board conceiving it necessary that Jacob I. Truax
of this City should be prosecuted agreeable to Law for his
Conduct in adhering to the Enemy and as the Witnesses
against him who are John Cuppernull and John I. Vrooman
of Tryon County have neglected to attend the Supreme
Court altho they have been requested so to do —
It is therefore resolved that a Letter be wrote to Zepheniah
Batchelar Esq- Justice of the Peace of the County of [297]
Tryon requesting him to cite the said John Cuppernull and
John I. Vrooman before him and take their Recognizance
594 State of New York
1780 for their Appearance at the next Supream Court to be held
on the third Tuesday in January next to give Evidence
against the said Jacob I. Truax
Resolved that a Letter be wrote to Col! Van Schonhoven
of the Half Moon requesting him to order Alexander Bryant
to appear before this Board for the Purpose of being exam
ined as to sundry Transactions of the Disaffected in Half
Moon District —
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 7^? December 1780
Dec- ?• Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T ^ ^ ,
] Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer
An Anonimous Letter directed to the Commissioners for
Conspiracies was laid before the Board setting forth that
John Cobham is a Dangerous Person and that his going to
the Northward gives great Reason to suspect that he Conveys
Intelligence to the Enemy resolved in Consequence of the
above Letter that the said John Cobham be ordered on no
Pretence whatever to leave this City unless he shall pre
viously obtain Permission from this Board for that Purpose —
Resolved that Peter Werley be discharged from Confine
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required for and
during the Continuance of the Present war with Great Britain
Peter Werley of the Hellebergh in the County
of Albany Farmer in £100
[298] William Monk of the same Place
Farmer his Bail in £100
Andries Ward of the same Place
Farmer also his Bail in £100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 595
It appearing from the Examination of James Van Driesen DI78°
that Archibald M'rNeal of the Scotch Patent and his son
Alec MfNeal have aided and assisted the Party (with which
he the said Van Driesen was going to the Enemy) in making
their Escape to Canada resolved in Consequence thereof
that a warrant be made out for the immediate apprehension
of the said Archibald McNeil and Alec M' Neal and that
the same be inclosed in a Letter to General Schuyler at
Saragtoga and that he be requested to have it served —
Adjourned —
Met Albany ii- December 1781 [sic for 1780] — 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T T^ i? j
•J . n . > •< Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel btnnger ) (
John Hoogteling being brought before the Board and his
Examination taken and it appearing that the Charges as
alledged against the said John Hoogteling are not of suffi
cient weight to render his Confinement any longer necessary
therefore resolved that he be discharged —
James Oynes being brought before the Board and his
Examination taken ordered that he be recommitted —
James Brisbin being also ordered to be brought before
the Board was examined ordered that he be Recommitted —
William Griffen being also brought before the Board was
examined ordered that he be recommitted —
Adjourned —
[299] Met Albany 12^? December 1780 r>178°
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( A/r , T7. ,
> •< Mathew Visscher
Samuel Striner ) (
596 State of New York
1780 A Letter from Ebenezer Clark and Alexander M^ Nit
Dec. 12*
Esq- two of the Commissioners for Conspiracies for the
County of Charlotte dated New Perth 2- Instant was laid
before the Board setting forth that they inclose a Petition
signed by sundry of the Inhabitants of Kingsbury in Favour
of Thomas Yarns, William Griffin and William Bell who
are at present in Confinement resolved that the said Peti
tion be taken into Consideration at some future Day —
A Letter from Dirck Swart Esq- directed to this Board
and dated 12- November last was laid before us by Mr
Visscher wherein he informs us that a Petition has lately
been set on Foot and signed by a Number of Persons in
Favour of Jotham Bemus who is at Present confined in
Goal and requesting when the said Petition is laid before
the Board to be informed of it as he is desirous of disproving
a Part at least of the said Petition ordered that the said
Letter be filed.
A Letter from Lieutenant Col- Weisenfelt dated at Fort
Schuyler inclosing a Copy of an Examination of an Indian
who came from the enemy was laid before the Board and as
the said Examination contains Information which should be
communicated to General Clinton therefore resolved that
Mr Beeckman wait upon him with the same —
Adjourned —
1780 f^ool Met Albany 12^ December 1780
Dec. 13.
Present
John M. Beeckman )
Samuel Stringer j
The Board having taken into Consideration the Petition
presented on the 12- Instant in Favour of William Griffen
and others resolved in Consequence thereof that the said
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 597
William Griffen be liberated from Confinement on entering DI78°
into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing his Duty
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when thereunto required during the Continu
ance of the present war [with] Great Britain —
William Griffen of the County of Charlotte
Farmer in £100
William High of the same Place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Joseph Hawkins appeared before the Board and requested
Permission to go to Charlotte County and remove from thence
his Family and Effects and the same being agreed to by his
Bail William Shepherd resolved that he have Permission
granted him accordingly —
The Board being desirous of reexamining Alexander
Bryant and he being ordered to appear and now attending
agreeable to our Order resolved that he be examined —
The said Alexander Bryant being examined and his Ex
amination being reduced to writing is as follows (to wit)
(see Examination on File) —
Adjourned —
hoil Met Albany IA£ December 1780 1780
Dec. 14.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( A/r , w i
' . •{ Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer ) (
Resolved that James Bramley be discharged from Con
finement on his entering into a Recognizance with a sufficient
surety for his good Behaviour doing his Duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the Continuance of the
Present war with Great Britain —
598 State of New York
James Bramley of the Hellebergh in the
County of Albany Innkeeper in £100
David Kittle of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
A Petition signed by a Number of the well affected In
habitants of Saragtoga District was laid before the Board
setting forth that Jotham Bemus of Stillwater since his
liberation from Confinement has acted in every Respect as a
friend to the American Cause that he has chearfully con
tributed all his Power towards supplying the Army and has
in every Respect manifested a Disposition to support the
Independance of the United States which said Petition
being read ordered that the same be filed —
Ordered that the Secretary inform Dirck Swart Esq-
that the above Petition was presented to this Board and
requesting him as soon as possible to come down for the
Purpose mentioned in his Letter of the 12- Instant —
Adjourned —
1780 [302! Met Albany 16- December 1780
Dec. 1 6.
Present
John M. Beeckman ] ( T . , T7 0 i
J •< Jeremiah Van Rensseiaer
Samuel Stringer ) (
Resolved that William Vrooman be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies whenever thereunto
required during the Continuance of the Present war with
Great Britain —
William Vrooman of Saragtoga District
Farmer in £ 100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 599
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer Esq^ i[n]formed the Board that DeI78°6
he had received of Gerard Bancker Esq- Treasurer of this
State the sum of One hundred Dollars of the New Emission
for the purpose of defraying the Necessary Expenditures
of this Board —
Resolved that out of the above money the Secretary pay
to Stephen Bell £10 u 5 on Account
Adjourned
Met Albany 18^ December 1780
T^
rresent
John M Beeckman } j
Samuel Stringer J (
Resolved that Henry Smith be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies whenever thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain
[303] Henry Smith of the Manor of Liv
ingston Farmer in £100
Teunis Smith of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Adjourned —
Met Albany 21^ December 1780 Dec782i
Present
STTUeLStringel- 1 { Mathew Visscher
John M. Beeckman ) (.
A Letter from Major Rosekrans at Saragtoga was laid
before the Board wherein he informs that he sends to us
under Guard Archibald M'Neal of the Scotch Patent who
600 State of New York
1780 agreeable to our Request he had caused to be apprehended,
and the said Archibald M^Neal being brought before the
Board & examined and it appearing from his Examination
that he is guilty of the Crime wherewith he stands charged
therefore resolved that he be committed and that a Mittimus
be made out for him —
Adjourned —
I78o Met Albany 22^ December 1780
.Dec. 22. -pj
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer j ( Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
James Brisben requesting to be brought before the Board
and being brought accordingly requested that he might be
liberated from Confinement on his procuring sufficient Bail
for his good Behaviour in future Resolved on Consideration
of the above Request that he be informed that the Board
will liberate him on his procuring a surety for his remaining
within the Limits of the City of Albany until discharged
by this Board —
[304] Joseph Carr also requesting to be liberated from
Confinement resolved that he be informed that the Board
will liberate him on his entering into a similar Recognizance
with the above mentioned James Brisben —
Jotham Bemus at present in Confinement requesting of the
Board to be admitted to the Liberty of the Goal resolved
that it be granted him on his procuring a sufficient Bail
for his remaining a true and faithfull Prisoner in the City
Hall of the said City —
William M^Laughlin of the City of Albany
Innkeeper as Bail for Jotharn Bemus in.. £100
The Board being informed that John Cobham, John Stiles
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 60 1
and the Man living at a Place called the Half way House
in Jessup's Patent are concerned in forwarding Intelligence
to Canada resolved in Consequence of the said Information
that Col- Gansevoort be requested to have them apprehended
& forthwith sent to us —
A Letter from Col1. Peter R. Livingston was laid before
the Board inclosing an examination of Jacob Kline of the
Manor of Livingston's from which Examination it appears
that Wilhelmas Turner, Coenradt Turner, and James Turner
being disaffected Persons and intending to create Confusion
and Disturbance so as to embarrass the Government of this
State have opposed the said Jacob Kline in collecting the
Taxes assessed on the Inhabitants of the District and are
daily by every means in their Power endeavouring to disturb
the Publick Peace ordered that the same be filed —
Adjourned —
[305] Met Albany 23^ December 1780 — 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman } ( Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer j ( Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
A Letter from Lieu- Col- Henry J. Van Rensselaer dated
at Claverack was laid before the Board in which Letter he
informs that Thomas Whiting at present in Confinement has
always sustained the Character of a harmless inoffensive
Man and that he does not conceive that his being liberated
from Confinement will any way endanger the Safety of the
State — which Letter being taken into Consideration
Thereupon resolved that the said Thomas Whiting be dis
charged on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behav
iour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required dur
ing the Continuance of the present war [with] Great Britain —
602 State of New York
1780 Thomas Whiting; of Claverack District
Dec. 23.
Labourer in £50
A Letter from Major Esselstyne was laid before the Board
wherein he informs that he has at present in his Possession
the Arms and Ammunition belonging to those Persons who
have been apprehended on the Information of Abraham
Hoogteling & the said Information appearing to be altogether
false therefore resolved that Major Esselstyne be ordered to
deliver up the said Arms and Ammunition to the Persons
respectively from whom they have been taken —
Resolved that a Letter be wrote to Brigadier General
Rensselaer to request him to transmit to this Board a List
of such Persons of his Brigade who have been Delinquent in
doing Militia [306] Duty in order that such of them who have
entered into Recognizance before this Board may be prose
cuted upon the same
Resolved that Alexander M'rKey be ordered to deliver up
to this Board on or before the 8^h day of January next Hugh
Rose, Alexander Carsan and Walter Trumble for whose
appearance and good Behaviour he has become Surety —
Resolved that James Beatty be ordered to deliver up to
this Board on or before the 8^h day of January next John
Parks for whose Appearance before us when called upon he
became Surety —
William M^Laughlin who Yesterday became surety for
Jotham Bemus's remaining a true and faithfull Prisoner
within the City Hall of this City appeared before the Board &
informed that he was unwilling any longer to remain Bail for
the said Jotham Bemus and John Horn of the Manor of
Rensselaerwyck offering to become surety for the said
Jotham Bemus resolved that the said John Horn accord
ingly enter into a Recognizance for the said Jotham Bemus's
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 603
remaining a Prisoner within the City Hall in this City and I78o
for his good Behaviour during that Time -
John Horn of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck
Butcher as Bail for Jotham Bemus in. ... £100
Jacob Truax of this City having forfeited his Recognizance
appeared this day and paid the sum of Two hundred and
forty four Dollars of the Money emitted pursuant to a Reso
lution of Congress of the 18- of March last Resolved that
the same be delivered over into the Hands of the Secretary to
be made use of in defraying the Expenditures of this Board -
[307] Resolved in Consequence of the application of
Archibald McNeil and Ezekiel Ensign that they be severally
liberated from Confinement on entering into a Recognizance
for their remaining within the following Limits (to wit)
the House and Yard of Patrick Smith situate in the first
ward of the City of Albany and that they do not hold any
Correspondence either by word or deed upon Political matters
with any Person or Persons which may in any Manner tend
to be prejudicial to the Measures pursued or which may be
pursued by the United States of America or either of them for
the Maintainance of Liberty & Independance of the said
United States and that they shall appear before any three of
the Commissioners appointed for detecting and defeating all
Conspiracies that may be formed in this State against the
Liberties of America whenever they shall be thereunto
required and that they shall remain under these Restrictions
untill discharged or otherwise ordered -
Arcliibald Mc.Niel of Saragtoga in the County
of Albany Merchant in £S°o
Robert M^.Clallen of the City of Albany
Merchant also his Bail in £250
Thomas Shipboy of the same place Merchant
also his Bail in £250
604 State of New York
1780 Ezekiel Ensign of Saragtoga Innkeeper in. . . £500
John Roff of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck
Merchant his Bail in £250
James Caldwell of the City of Albany Mer
chant also his Bail in £250
Captain Cline of Livingston's Manor appearing before
[308] the Board informed us that agreeable to orders re
ceived from Col1- Peter Livingston he had apprehended
Wilhelmas Turner, James Turner and Coenradt Turner
resolved that the Charges as alledged against them be
taken into Consideration until Monday Morning next and
that the said Wilhelmas Turner, James Turner and Coen
radt Turner enter into a Recognizance each of them to
remain within the Limits of this City and to appear before
this Board on Monday the 25— day of December Instant at
ten of the Clock in the Forenoon and in the mean time to
be of the good Behaviour —
Wilhelmas Turner of Livingston's Manor
Farmer in £100
James Turner of D° .... D° in £100
Coenradt Turner of D°. . . .D° in £100
Adjourned —
*78° Met Albany 2& December 1780
uec. 25. TI
Present
Samuel Stringer ) J John M. Beeckman
Mathew Visscher J ( Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
Resolved that John Stalker be discharged from Confine
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behav
iour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required dur
ing the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 605
John Stalker of Claverack District Labourer r^17
J . - Bee. 25.
in £100
Ambrose Stalker of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
The Board taking into Consideration the Charges as
alledged against Wilhelmas Turner, James Turner & Coen-
radt Turner and thefy] appearing this Day agreeable to the
[309] Tenor of the Recognizance entered into by them on
the 23- Instant resolved that they have Permission to re
turn Home on their severally entering into a Recognizance
for their good Behaviour doing their Duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the Continuance of the
present war with Great Britain and also for their appear
ance at the next supreme Court of Judicature to be held
for the State of New York at the City Hall in this City on
the third Tuesday in January next (or wheresoever the said
Court shall then be held in the state aforesaid) and not to
depart the Court without Leave —
Wilhelmas Turner of the Manor of Living
ston Farmer in £100
Coenradt Cline of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
James Turner of the Manor of Livingston
Farmer in £100
Coenradt Cline of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Coenradt Turner of the Manor of Living
ston Farmer in £100
Coenradt Cline of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
606 State of New York
1780 Resolved that a Letter be wrote to Peter Livingston Esq-
to request him to bind over Johannis Van Deusen and
Wheater Hicks to appear at the next Supreme Court as
Witnesses against the aforementioned Turners and also
that he bind over all such Persons as are able to prove the
Charges alledged against them — And that he also be
desired to have a certain John Moore who is at present at
Livingston's Manor apprehend[ed] and forthwith sent to us —
The Board having received Information that Peter Bean
of Livingston's Manor has lately declared himself as an
Enemy to the American Cause and dissuaded Persons from
[310] enlisting in the Continental Service and Richard
Warn of the same place being a disaffected and dangerous
Person —
Resolved therefore that a warrant be made out directed
to Cap- Coenradt Cline forthwith to apprehend and bring
before us the said Peter Bean & Richard Warn —
Adjourned —
Dec- ^ Present
1780 Met Albany 27- December 1780
ent
John M. Beeckman ) ( c i n •
J •< Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) (
The Board being informed that Adam Killmer who is at
present Confined in Goal is entirely destitute of Provisions
and other Necessaries and not having it in his Power to pro
cure any on Account of his Poverty -
It is therefore resolved that he be liberated from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance with a Sufficient
Surety for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appear
ing before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
whenever thereunto required during the Continuance of the
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 607
present war with Great Britain and also for his Appearance X78°
at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be held for the
State of New York at the City Hall in this City on the third
Tuesday in January next (or wheresoever the said Court
shall then be held in the State aforesaid) and not to depart
the Court without Leave -
Adam Killmer of Livingston's Manor in the
County of Albany Blacksmith in £100
Gideon Wolcot of the same place Blacksmith
his Bail in £100
Adjourned -
[311] Met Albany 28^? December 1780 1780
1 Dec. 28.
Present
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer | ( Jonn M. Beeckman
Samuel Stringer j ( Mathew Visscher
James Brisben having made Application to the Board to
be released from Confinement and his request being taken
into Consideration thereupon resolved that the said James
Brisben be liberated from Confinement on entering into a
Recognizance for his good Behaviour and Appearance be
fore any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
called upon and also for his remaining within the Limits
of this City and not departing the same without Leave ob
tained for that Purpose from any three of the said Commis
sioners or unless it be to do Militia Duty -
James Brisben of Saragtoga District Farmer
in £100
Peter Scharp of the City of Albany Carpenter
his Bail in £100
Adjourned —
608 State of New York
Met Albany 29^ December 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman "j ( T ^ ^ .
:; . _ . Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer V \ T . , w ^ T
., . TT. , eremiah Van Reasselaer
Mathew Visscher (
Joseph Carr of Stillwater having petitioned the Board to
be released from Confinement and the Prayer of the said
Petition being taken into Consideration resolved there
upon that he be discharged from Confinement on entering
into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour and appear
ance before any three of the Commissioners for Conspira
cies and for his remaining [312] within the Limits of the City
of Albany and not departing the same unless he shall have
leave previously obtained from any three of the said Com
missioners or unless it be to do Militia duty —
Joseph Carr of Stillwater in the County of
Albany Farmer in £100
Alexander Baldwin of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Resolved that Henry Tinkey be also discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Be
haviour and appearance before any three of the Commission
ers for Conspiracies when thereunto required and also for his
remaining within the Limits of this City and not departing
the same without Leave previously obtained for that Purpose
from any three of the said Commissioners or unless it be to
do Militia Duty -
Henry Tinkey of the Scotch Patent in the
County of Charlotte Farmer in £100
Albert Van Derwerken of Saragtoga in the
County of Albany his Bail in £100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 609
On Application of Jotham Bemus resolved that he also D
be liberated from Confinement on entering into a Recog
nizance conditioned for his good Behaviour appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there
unto required and for his remaining within the Limits of the
City of Albany and that Part of the Manor of Rensselaer-
wyck which lies to the South of the North end of Steenbergh
and not further East and West in the last mentioned [313]
Place than the River to the East and the Foot of the Hill
to the West & not departing the said Limits and Bounds
unless with Leave previously obtained for that Purpose from
any three of the said Commissioners or when called upon to
do Militia Duty -
Jotham Bemus of Still Water in the County
of Albany Farmer in .................... £100
Reuben Wright of the same Place Farmer his
Bail in ................................ £100
Job Wright of the same place Farmer also his
Bail in ................................ £100
Adjourned -
Met Albany 2n- January 1781 — J78i
Present
Teremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( c i o •
i_ TT. •< Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) (
A Letter from George White Esq- dated the Ist Instant was
laid before the Board inclosing an Examination of Bernard
Carpenter from which said Examination it appears that
Abner Darling of Pitts Town is a dangerous and disaffected
Person for which Reason the said George White Esq- having
had him apprehended and sent to us, and that the said Abner
Darling being brought before the Board and examined
610 State of New York
1781 resolved that the said Abner Darling be permitted to return
Home on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Commis
sioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the
Continuance of the present war with Great Britain and
remaining within the Limits of Pitts Town & not departing
the same without Leave obtained from any three of the said
Commissioners or unless it be to do Militia Duty -
Abner Darling of Pitts Town Farmer in £100
Moses Jarnes of King's District Farmer his
Bail in £100
[314] Resolved that George Hicks be discharged on enter
ing into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing his
Duty & appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies whenever thereunto required during the Con
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain and remaining
within the Limits of King's District and not departing the
same without leave obtained from any three of the said Com
missioners or unless it be to do Militia duty -
George Hicks of New-town Farmer in £100
o
John Herrington of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer his Bail
in £50
Jabez Landers of the same Place also his Bail
in £50
A Petition of Archibald M'rNeal and Ezekiel Ensign was
presented to the Board praying for Permission to go to their
Families at Saragtoga resolved on taking the Prayer of the
said Petition into Consideration that they be informed that
the Board cannot grant their Request.
Adjourned
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 611
Met Albany ^ January 1781 1781
Present
John M Beeckman ) j
Samuel Stringer J (
A Letter from Alexander Webster and Ebenezer Clark
Esq- of Charlotte County was laid before the Board in which
they request that James Gillis who is at present in Confine
ment may be liberated on Bail as the said Gillis has always
behaved himself in an Inoffensive Manner and the same
being taken into Consideration Resolved that the Board
cannot [315] at this Time liberate him -
Application being also made by Archibald M'rNeal of the
Scotch Patent to be admitted to Bail resolved that he be
informed that the Board cannot at this Time liberate him —
Samuel Stringer Esql informed the Board that he had
received information that Peter Ball of the Bever Dam is at
present at and about his Home and that he is come into the
Country for the Purpose of Enlisting Men for the Enemy
resolved that it be recommended to the said Samuel Stringer
to obtain the fullest Information he possibly can as to the
above and that in the mean while the Board will devise
Measures to have him apprehended —
Adjourned
Met Albany 5th January 1781
Present
lohn M. Beeckman ) ( , T , w. ,
« Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer (.
Application being made by D- George Smith for Permission
to come to this City for the purpose of setling his private
Business and Patrick Smith his Bail agreeing to the same
resolved that he have Permission granted him for the space
of six Days, and the said Dr. Smith requesting also Permission
612 State of New York
i to v*s*t a Patient at C°l- Gerrit Van Denbergh's resolved
also that Permission be granted him for that Purpose with the
Consent & approbation of his said Bail -
Robert Adems requesting Permission of the Board to go to
Johnstown for the Purpose of setling his Business and
Thomas Shipboy Bail for the said Robert Adems consenting
to the same resolved that the said Robert Adems have Per
mission [316] granted him accordingly till the 17^ day of
January Instant —
A Letter from Hugh Mitchell, Abraham Outhout and
Ryneir Mynderse Esql! Commissioners for Conspiracies at
Schenectady dated the 2- Instant was laid before the Board
wherein they inform us that Archibald M'rKellop and Wil
liam Rodgers who are under Recognizance to this Board
refuse to do any Militia Duty when called upon and are
adjudged by them to be dangerous Persons —
Resolved in Consequence of the above Letter that the said
Archibald M'rKellop and William Rodgers be ordered forth
with to appear before this Board.
A Certificate signed by Richard Esselstyne and Lowrence
Fonda Esq" two of the Justices of the Peace for the County
of Albany was laid before the Board in which they certify that
agreeable to the Act of the Legislature entitled "An Act for
the Removal of the Families of Persons who have Joined the
Enemy" they have warned the following Women to depart the
State or remove to such Parts of it as are in the Power of the
enemy within twenty days from the Time of the Notice given
to them — (to wit) Elsie Elizabeth Finkel, Margaret Finkle,
Margaret Seman, Catharine Seman, Maria Stever, Eva
Houser, Christina Benneway, Maria Reepenberger, Gertruy
Wear, Anna Charter, Sintie Coventry, Bata Scharp, Mar
garet Shufelt, Cornelia Gardineir, & Maria Herpst, and the
said Richard Esselstyne and Lowrence Fonda certifying that
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 613
the said Elsie Elizabeth Finkle, Margaret Finkle, Margaret 1781
Seman, Catharine Seman, Maria Stever Eva Houser and
Christina Benneway have always behaved themselves in an
unexceptionable Manner and that they do [317] not think
their remaining at their Habitations will endanger the safety
of the State ordered that the said Certificate be filed -
Adjourned -
Met Albany 8^h January 1781 J73i
Present
John M Beeckman ) (
Samuel Stringer j (
John Parks of the Breakabeen having been represented to
this Board as a disaffected Person and it being deemed neces
sary on Account of his Residence on the Frontiers of this State
that he should be laid under Restrictions and having ordered
the said John Parks to appear for that Purpose and he appear
ing this day agreeable to our order resolved that he enter into
a Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing his duty and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con
spiracies when thereunto required during the Continuance 01
the Present war with Great Britain -
John Parks of the Breakabeen in the County
of Albany Farmer in £100
James Beatty of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
The Board being informed that there is at present in this
City a certain Daniel M^Loud who is possessed of a Pass
signed by Philip Pell Esq- Commissary of Prisoners of this
State under which Pass the said Daniel M'rLooed has during
the whole of last Summer screened himself from Militia Duty
resolved in Consequence of the said Information that Jacob
614 State of New York
1781 Kidney be ordered to bring the said Daniel M-Looed forth
with before the Board —
Jacob Kidney appearing with Daniel M.cLooed agreeable to
order and the said Pass being produced and it appearing that
the same was given upwards of a Year ago therefore resolved
tatthe [318] said Pass be taken from the said Daniel M^Looed
and delivered to the said Philip Pell Esq- and it appearing
necessary to this Board from the Principles professed by the
said Daniel M^Looed that he should be restricted in his Con
duct therefore ordered that he appear before this Board on the
12— Instant with a good sufficient surety for his future good
Behaviour doing his duty and Appearance when called upon.
Adjourned
I?8l Met Albany 9^ January 1781
Jan. 9- Present
John M. Beeckman ) f A/r u T7. ,
J K Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer (
Walter Trumble of Corey's Bush having been represented
to this Board as a disaffected person and it being deemed
necessary on account of his Residence on the Frontiers that
he should be laid under Restrictions and having ordered the
said Walter Trumble to appear for that Purpose & he ap
pearing this day agreeable to our order resolved that he
enter into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing his
duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the Con
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain -
Walter Trumble of Corey's Bush in the
County of Albany Farmer in £100
Alexander MfKey of Jericho in the County
of Albany Weaver his Bail in £100
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 615
[319] Met Albany ioth January 1781 ^?8i
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f T r\ r? i
Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer (
Robert M'rClallen and Thomas Shipboy who some Time
since became surety for Archibald M^Neal appeared before
the Board and requested that the said Archibald M^Neal
might have Permission to go to Saragtoga and likewise that
Ezekiel Ensign might have a similar Indulgance
And we having considered the said Request and judging
from the present Situation of affairs that their going Home
at this Time may be attended with dangerous Consequences
to the State therefore resolved that they be informed that
their Request cannot be complied with.
It appearing to the Board from the Examination of Jot-
ham Bemus that his wife M— Bemus is knowing to many
enimical Transactions of Angus McDonald of Livingston's
Manor resolved therefore that an order be made out and
sent to M— Bemus to appear forthwith before this Board in
order that she may be examined as to the above -
It being suggested to the Board that Abraham Vollwyder
and Andries Tollhamer of Nistageune are dangerous & dis
affected Persons who by their Conduct and Conversation
daily give Offence to the Friends of the American Cause
resolved therefore that the said Abraham Vollwider and
Andries Tollhamer appear before the Board forthwith, with
Each a sufficient surety to enter into Recognizance for their
future good Behaviour & appearance before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon —
Adiourned —
6i6 State of New York
1781 [320] Met Albany 12- January 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f A, , Tr ,
i , « • 1 Mathew Visscher
bamuel btnnger (
Daniel M-Loed appearing agreeable to an order of this
Board with William Fuller as his Surety resolved that he
enter into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing his
duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the Con
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Daniel M^Loed of the City of Albany La
bourer in £100
William Fuller of the same place Joiner his
Bail in £100
On Application of Jotham Bemus for Permission to go
to Stillwater to settle his Business (to which his Bails Job
Wright and Reuben Wright consenting) resolved that Per
mission be granted him accordingly and that he have Time
given him for fourteen Days for that Purpose —
Archibald M^Kellop having on the 5— Instant been cited
to appear before the Board in Consequence of a Letter re
ceived from the Commissioners of Conspiracies at Schenec-
tady and he appearing this day and being examined as to
Information received respecting him and utterly denying
the same and being willing to give Surety for his future
good Conduct resolved that he enter into Recognizance
for his appearance before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required and for his
doing his duty & being of the good Behaviour for and
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 617
[321] Archibald M'rKellop of Schenectady ji78«
Farmer in £100
Charles Martin of the same Place Merchant
his Bail in £100
Adjourned -
Met Albany i#h January 1781 Jan!8i6.
Present
John M. Beeckman | (
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer j (
Application being made to the Board for Permission for
Archibald M'rNeal and Ezekiel Ensign to go to Saragtoga
for the Purpose of arranging their Family affairs and their
Bails severally consenting thereto resolved that they have
Permission granted them accordingly for fourteen Days
from this Day at the Expiration of which Time they are
again to repair to this Place —
Lourence Deal, John Garret and John Coenly appeared
before the Board and requested to be discharged from that
Part of their Recognizance requiring their Appearance at
the next Supream Court and they engaging to make known
to the Board whenever John Waltymier shall again come
in that Part of the Country in which they reside and their
Request being taken into Consideration resolved that they
be discharged accordingly —
Adjourned -
Met Albany ij*h January 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j
Samuel Stringer (
6i8 State of New York
Resolved that Hans Peter Snyder be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Com-[322]missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present War with
Great Britain And to remain within the Limits of the
District of Livingston's Manor -
Hans Peter Snyder of Saragtoga Farmer in . . £100
Jacob Powers of Livingston's Manor Farmer
his Bail in £100
Peter Bean of Livingston's Manor having been appre
hended on the Information of Johannis Shaver Esq- for
drinking the King's Health and for dissuading Persons from
entering into the nine Month's Service, was brought before
the Board resolved that he enter into Recognizance for his
good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there
unto required during the Continuance of the present War
with Great Britain — And also for his appearance at the
next Supream Court of Judicature to be held for the State
of New York at the City Hall in the City of Albany on the
third Tuesday in January Instant (or wheresoever the said
Court shall then be held in the State aforesaid) to answer
unto all such Matters and Things as shall be then and there
exhibited against him And not to depart the Court without
Leave
Peter Bean of Livingston's Manor Farmer in £100
Coenradt Cline of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Resolved that the Secretary pay to Cap- Coenradt Cline
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 619
the sum of £Q ,, o u 2 on account of Services Performed in J78i
Jan. 1 7-
apprehending and bringing to Goal John Snoeck Henry
Hoogteling and others — !
Adjourned —
[323] Met Albany i8'h January 1781—
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( TV/T r w i_
* K Mathew Visscher
Isaac D. Ponda ) (
Joseph Carr who was by Recognizance bound to remain
within the Limits of this City appeared before the Board
and requested Permission to go to Stillwater to see his
Family And his Bail Alexander Baldwin consenting thereto
resolved that he have Permission granted him accordingly
for fourteen Days —
Henry Tinkey being also bound by Recognizance to re
main within the Limits of this City appeared before the
Board & requested to Go to his Family at the Scotch Patent
and his Bail Albert Van Der Werken consenting to the
same resolved that he have leave granted him accordingly
for Fourteen Days —
A Petition signed by Elbert Willet Thomas Hun and a
Number of other respectable and well affected Inhabitants
of this City was laid before the Board setting forth that
Jane Moffit whose Husband is at present with the Enemy
has been warned agreeable to an Act of the Legislature of
this State for the Removal of the Families of Persons who
have joined the Enemy been warned to depart the State or
remove to such Parts of it as are at present in the Power
of the Enemy, that notwithstanding the Political Sentiments
1 The original voucher is in Revolutionary Manuscripts, vol. 40, p. 162,
State Comptroller's office.
620 State of New York
T I78l0 °f her Husband the said Jane Moffit has always been es-
Jan. 18. t J
teemed a Friend to the American Cause and that they do
not conceive that her remaining within the State will tend
in any Manner whatsoever to the Prejudice of the Freedom
or Independance of this or the United States and the said
Petition being [324] taken into Consideration resolved
that in Consequence thereof that a Permit be granted to
the said Jane Moffit to remain at her Habitation —
Adjourned —
. Met Albany 2O*h January 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( c i o •
:[- \ \ bamuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher j (
Elsie Elizabeth Finkle, Margaret Finkle, Margaret Se-
man, Catharine Seman, Maria Stever, Eva Houser and
Christina Benneyway whose Husbands are at present with
the enemy having been warned by Richard Esselstyne and
Lourence Fonda Esq- to depart the State or remove to
such Parts of it as are in the Power of the Enemy agreeable
to an Act of the Legislature of this State entitled "An Act
for the Removal of the Families of Persons who have joined
the Enemy" and the said Justices having recommended
the said women above named as Persons of inoffensive
Characters who they do not in any Manner conceive dan
gerous to the Safety of the State and the said above men
tioned Women having petitioned this Board for Permits to
remain at their Habitations resolved in Consequence of the
Recommendation of the said Justices that Permits be
granted them accordingly -
It being represented to the Board by the Goaler that James
Gillis at present confined in Goal is very 111 and that a Con
tinuance of his Confinement may endanger his Life therefore
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 621
resolved that he be permitted to go to the House of the Widow I78i
M'rNeal in this City and their remain until he is recovered
of his [325] Indisposition on Neal Shaw's entering into a
Recognizance that the said James Gillis during his Con
tinuance at the House of the said M- McNeil shall be of the
good Behaviour —
Neal Shaw of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck
Innkeeper Bail for James Gillis in £100
James Brisben who was by Recognizance bound to remain
within the Limits of this City appeared before the Board and
requested Permission to go to Saragtoga to see his Family
and his Bail Peter Sharp consenting thereto resolved that he
have Permission granted him accordingly until the 15- day
of February next
Archibald McNeil of the Scotch Patent having p[e]titioned
the Board to be released from Confinement and the prayer of
the said Petition being taken into Consideration resolved there
upon that he be discharged on entering into a Recognizance
for his good Behaviour and appearance before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies & for his remaining within the
Limits of the City of Albany and not departing the same
unless he shall have leave previously obtained from any three
of the said Commissioners or unless it be to do Militia Duty —
Archibald McNeil of the Scotch Patent in the
County of Charlotte Farmer in £100
Evans Umphrey of Tomhenick in the County
of Albany Farmer his Bail in £100
Adjourned — •
Met Albany 26th January 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) ( Reyneir Mynderse
622 State of New York
1781 [o26] Resolved that Gilbert Miller be discharged from
Jan. 26. u j ^ 5
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the Present War with Great
Britain —
Gilbert Miller of Ballstown Farmer in £100
Joseph Bettis of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Resolved that William Bettis be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Be
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
William Bettis of Ballstown Farmer in £100
Teunis Van Vleek of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Resolved that Samuel Burns be discharged from Confine
ment on his entering into a Recognizance for his good Be
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
Samuel Burns of New-town Farmer in £100
William Bradshaw of Half Moon D strict
Farmer his Bail in £50
John Flinn of the same place Farmer also his
Bail in £50
John Murray having been ordered to appear before this
Board to enter into Recognizance of a new appearing this
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 623
Day agreeable to the said Order resolved that he be bound
for his good Behaviour doing his Duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there
unto [327] required during the Continuance of the present
war with Great Britain —
John Murray of Breakabeen Farmer in ..... £100
Hugh Alexander of the Manor of Rensselaer-
wyck Blacksmith his Bail in ............. £100
Adjourned —
Met Albany 27^ January 1781
Present
Samuel Stringer ) j Isaac D. Fonda
John M. Beeckman ) ( Mathew Visscher
Angus McDonald of Livingston's Manor petitioned the
Board to be released from Confinement resolved that he be
informed that he cannot as yet be liberated —
Application was made to the Board by James Gillis for
Permission to go to the place of his abode at the Scotch
Patent for the Purpose of removing his Family and Effects
in the Interior Parts of the Country and his Bail consenting
to the same resolved that he have Permission granted him
accordingly and that he remove by the first Day of March
next —
William Hutton petitioned the Board to be released from
Confinement on Bail and as the said William Hutton has been
a long Time in Confinement therefore resolved that he be
informed that the Board will liberate him provided he can
procure a sufficient surety for his future good Behaviour
and appearance when called upon -
Adjourned -
624 State of New York
1781 hzSl Met Albany 29^ January 1781
Jan. 29.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher J ( Samuel Stringer
Hannah Bemus wife of Jotham Bemus having been or
dered to appear before the Board appeared this day agreeable
to the said order and being interrogated as to Angus M<r-
Donald of Livingston's Manor carrying on an Intercourse
with the Enemy and harbouring British Officers who were
passing through the Country as Expresses and she refusing
to answer to the same and there being great Reason to suppose
that she is acquainted with the above Circumstances —
Therefore resolved that she be committed until she gives
Satisfactory Answers to the same and that a Mittimus be
made out for her —
Henry Wiesner Esq- laid before the Board a Petition of Joshua
H. Smith at present confined to the Goal of Orange County by
the Commissioners for Conspiracies at Pougkeepsie which Peti
tion is in the following words (to wit) (see Petition on File) —
Resolved that Mf Wiesner be informed that this Board
will not interfere with the Business of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies above mentioned —
Resolved that William Hutton be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Be
haviour & appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the Con-
[329] tinuance of the present war with Great Britain —
William Hutton of Lansingburgh Cord-
wainer in £100
John Watt of New Scotland in the County
of Albany Farmer his Bail in £100
Adjourned
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 625
Met Albany 20^ January 1781
T^ / J J / /
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( c i
Lac D.Fonda } { Samuel
Application was made to the Board by Archibald McNeil
to go to the place of his Abode at the Scotch Patent for the
purpose of removing his Family and effects in the Interior
Parts of the Country and his Bail consenting to the same
resolved that he have Permission granted him accordingly
& that he remove by the first day of March next
Adjourned
Met Albany 31?* January 1781 1781
o 7 3 7 / Jan. 3I.
Present
John M. Beeckman } ( Mathew Visscher
Isaac D. Fonda [ 1 Samuel Stringer
Resolved that Garrit Van Der Pool be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour & appearing before any three of the Commission
ers for Conspiracies when thereunto required [during] the
Continuance of the Present war with Great Britain —
Garrit Van Der Pool of the East District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ... £100
William Seaton of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ............................... £100
Adjourned -
[330] Met Albany if February 1781 Feb/i.
Present
John M. Beeckman J f Mathew
Isaac D. Fonda I
626 State of New York
It appearing to the Board that Peter Ten Broeck is Ex
changed and under Parole to go to New York — Ordered
that the Bond of the said Peter Ten Broeck and Wessel Ten
Broeck his Bail be given up to John Ten Broeck of the Great
Imboght Brother to the said Peter Ten Bro[e]ck —
Adjourned
I78i Met Albany 2^ February 1781
Feb. 2. Present
Isaac D. Fonda ) f c , c .
Samuel Stringer
John M. Beeckman
Archibald Campbell having been ordered to appear before
this Board to enter into Recognizance of anew & he appear
ing this Day agreeable to the said order resolved that he be
bound for his good Behaviour doing his duty & appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the Continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
Archibald Campbell of the District of Cam
bridge in the County of Albany Farmer in . £100
William Reed of New Perth in Charlotte
County Miller his Bail in . £100
Adjourned
81 [33 J] Met Albany 3? February 1781 -
Present
John M. Beeckman | j Isaac D. Fonda
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( Mathew Visscher
Resolved that Angus McDonald be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 627
required during the Continuance of the present war with ^781
Great Britain -
Angus McDonald of Livingston's Manor
Farmer in £^S°
Abraham Vossburgh of Claverack Farmer his
Bail in £150
Adjourned -
Met Albany 5^ February 1781 - p*78i
Present
John M Beeckman |
Samuel Stringer
Resolved that Thomas Yarns be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Be
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain
Thomas Yarns of Kingsbury in Charlotte
County Farmer in £100
Rowland Perry of Palmertown in the County
of Albany Farmer his Bail in £100
As the above mentioned Thomas Yarns live[s] upon the
Frontiers and has it in his Power to aid and Comfort the
Enemy resolved that he be ordered to remove into the
Interior Parts of this State by the first day of May next —
Adjourned -
[332] Met Albany 6*h February 1781 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ] ( T r^ i? j
i Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer
628 State of New York
1781 Melchart Van Deusen Esq- of Tryon County appeared
before the Board and informed us that he has received
Information that a certain Albert Van Der Werken is able to
prove that Major Jellis Fonda was knowing to Robert Snell
who lived with the said Jellis Fonda going to the Enemy
last spring
Resolved in Consequence of the above Information that
Albert Van Der Werken be cited to appear immediately
before this Board in order to his being examined as to the
same —
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany y*h February 1781
Feb'7- Present
John M Beeckman )
Samuel Stringer j
Albert Van Der Werken appeared agreeable to the Order
of Yesterday and was examined as to the Information
against Major Jellis Fonda, on his Examination he says
that he was informed by Robert Snell that Major Fonda
was privy to his going off but does not from his own Knowl
edge [know] whether it be true —
The said Albert Van Der Werken also says that a certain
Peter Boon of Tryon County is able to give some very mate
rial Information respecting sundry disaffected Persons [333]
of that Place resolved that the said Peter Boon be ordered
immediately to attend this Board in order that he may be
examined as to the same —
The Board received Information that William Laird who
came from the Enemy under a Pretence of his deserting
from them is come with an Intention of enlisting Men for
the Service of the enemy It is therefore resolved that James
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 629
Crosset and Benjamin Crosset who are Bail for the Appear-
ance of the said William Laird be ordered forthwith to de
liver him up to this Board —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 8*h February 1781 1781
T) reb. 8.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( c ^ c -
~ •{ Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j (
Resolved that James M'Koy (a Deserter from the British
Army at present in Confinement on a Complaint of Dis
affection) be discharged from Confinement on his entering
into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the Continuance of the
present war with Great Britain
James M^Koy of Livingston's Manor Tay
lor in ................................ £100
Christopher Hagedorn of the same place
Farmer his Bail in ..................... £100
Adjourned —
Met Albany g*h February 1781 Feb. 9.
Present
Isaac D. Fonda ] ( c i c •
> < Samuel Stringer
John M. Beeckman J (.
[334] Col! Abraham Veeder appeared before the Board
and informed us that he had received Information that a cer
tain Coenradt Coon has been lately sworn for the King in the
House of Thomas Bebee by an Emissary from the Enemy —
Resolved that the said Thomas Bebee be cited forthwith to
appear before this Board to give Information as to the above
Adjourned —
630 State of New York
1781 Met Albany i^h February 1781
Feb' I3' Present
Samuel Stringer ) f T I-* i? j
•{ Isaac D. tonda
lohn M Hpprlrman \
John M. Beeckman j
It appearing to the Board from the Information of Walter
Quackenbush that Harmen Haver of Livingstons Manor
did lately in Conversation with Garret Quackenbush call
him the said Walter Quackenbush and the said Garret
Quackenbush damned Rebels and the said Harmen Haver
sustains the Character of a disaffected Person therefore
resolved that a warrant be made out to bring the said Har
men Haver forthwith before this Board -
Thomas Bebee who was on the 9— Instant cited to appear
before the Board appeared and being Examined as to the
Information given by Col1. Veeder confesses that Coenradt
Coon was sworn for the King at his House but that it was
contrary to his inclination and that he would have opposed
the same if he had had it in his Power and it appearing that
Col! Veeder received the Information [335] from the said
Thomas Bebee and that the said Bebee is well affected to
the American Cause therefore resolved that he be discharged
Adjourned -
1781 Met Albany ic*l? February 1781
Feb- IS" Present
J°hnu M. Beeckman J
Mathew Visscher
Ezekiel Ensign made application to the Board for Per
mission to go to his place of abode at Saragtoga and his
request being taken into Consideration resolved that the
same be granted on his taking an Oath that he will not
dire[c]tly or indirectly give aid or Comfort or Intelligence
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 631
to the Enemies of the United States of America and that he
will make known to the Commissioners for Conspiracies all
treasonable actings & doings attempted against the same
whenever it shall come to his knowledge during the Contin
uance of the present War with Great Britain — And the
said Ezekiel Ensign having taken the said Oath resolved
with the Consent of his Bail that he have Leave to remain
at his place of abode at Saragtoga —
Archibald McNeil made application to go & see his
Family at Saragtoga ordered with consent of his Bail that
he have leave granted him until Monday next —
William Robins having been ordered to appear before
this Board to enter into Recognizance of anew and he ap
pearing this day agreeable to the said order resolved that
[336] he be bound for his good Behaviour doing his Duty
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when thereunto required during the Contin
uance of the present War with Great Britain —
William Robins of the Township of Argyle
in the County of Charlotte Farmer in. ... £100
Edward Savage of White Creek in the County
of Charlotte Esq- his Bail in £100
Adjourned —
Met Albany 16- February 1781 1781
Present Feb- l6'
John M. Beeckman ) ( c i c •
^ •< Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) (.
George Tellford having been ordered to appear before
this Board to enter into Recognizance of anew and appearing
this Day agreeable to the said Order resolved that he be
bound for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
632 State of New York
T78i when thereunto required during the Continuance of the
present war with Great Britain
George Tellford of the District of Cambridge
in the County of Albany Farmer in £100
. Moses Martin of White Creek in the County
of Charlotte Esq- his Bail in £100
William Blake having been ordered to appear before this
Board to enter into Recognizance of anew appearing this
day agreeable to the said Order resolved that he be bound
for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
[337] an7 three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the Continuance of the Present War
with Great Britain
William Blake of the District of Cambridge in
the County of Albany Farmer in £100
Moses Martin of White Creek in the County
of Charlotte Esq- his Bail in £100
Adjourned
1781 Met Albany 17th February 1781
Feb. 17. r>
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( c f c .
J 1 Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) (
Resolved that Thomas M'rFeal be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Be
haviour doing his Duty & appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required dur
ing the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain
Thomas M'rFeal of Livingston's Manor La
bourer in £100
Abraham Bloodgood of the City of Albany
Innkeeper his Bail in £100
Adjourned -
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 633
Met Albany IQ1.1? February 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ] f c i c •
^ ] Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) (
Resolved that William Bell be discharged from Confine
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any thre[e] of the
[338] Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto re
quired during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
William Bell of Fort Edward in the County
of Albany Farmer in £100
Duncan Shaw of Charlotte County Farmer
his Bail in £100
As the above mentioned William Bell lives upon the
Frontiers and has it in his Power to aid and Comfort the
Enemy resolved that he be ordered to remove into the
Interior Parts of this State by the first Day of April next —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 20^? February 1781 1781
~ } } ' Feb. 20.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f T T^ T? i
i , c • \ Isaac D- Fonda
•Samuel btnnger j (
An Affidavit of Zachariah Holsapple taken before Samuel
Ten Broeck Esq- of Livingston's Manor was laid before the
Board whereby it appears that Teunis Smith of Livingston's
has lately harboured and concealed two British Officers who
were enlisting Men for the Enemies Service resolved in
Consequence of the said Affidavit that a warrant be made
out for the apprehension of the said Teunis Smith and that
634 State of New York
1781 Citations be sent to Simon Rockefeller & Tohannis Miller
Feb. 20. -'
who were knowing to the said Officers being at the House of
the said Teunis Smith and that the said warrant and Citations
be sent to the said Samuel Ten Broeck Esq- for the purpose
of having them served —
Adjourned —
Feb.82i. [339] Met Albany 21- February 1781.
Present
Mathew Visscher )
_ . , Isaac D. Fonda
bamuel btnnger )
William Bradshaw and John Flinn who did on the 26th day
of January last become surety for Samuel Burns appeared
before the Board and requested Permission to deliver up the
said Samuel Burns in discharge of themselves, resolved that
the said William Bradshaw and John Flinn be accordingly
discharged and that the said Samuel Burns be committed and
that a Mittimus be made out for him.
Adjourned -
1781 Met Albany 22- February 1781
Feb. 22. Present
Samuel Stringer ) f T TA -n j
__ . __. to . i Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher j (
Joel Abbot informed the Board that a certain Jacob
Timmerman has harboured and secreted Emissaries from the
Enemy and has assisted Persons who were on their way to
Canada and the Examination of the said Joel Abbot being
taken as to the same is in the words following (to wit) (see
Examination on File) resolved in Consequence of the said
Examination that a warrant be made out for the said Jacob
Timmerman. —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 635
It also appearing to the Board from the said Examination X781
. . . Feb. 22.
of Joel Abbot that the wife of William Nelling Jun- was
privy to Timmerman secreting Persons from the enemy
therefore resolved that a warrant be also made out to appre
hend her. —
[340] Resolved that John Todd be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Be
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain.—
John Todd of White Creek in the County of
Charlotte Carpenter in £100
Isaac Little of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Robert Gitty of the same place Farmer also
his Bail in £100
Adjourned —
Met Albany 23? February 1781 Fxh781
Present
Samuel Stringer ) f T ^ ^ ,
- , , TT. , r 1 Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher J (
Resolved that John WykofF be discharged from Confine
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Commis
sioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the
Continuance of the present war with Great Britain
John WykofF of Nistageuna Labourer in £100
David Maxwell of Ballstown Farmer his
Bail in £100
Zachariah Holsapple whose Examination taken before
636 State of New York
1781 Samuel Ten Broeck Esq? was laid before the Board on the
21- Instant was brought before us and being Examined and
his Examination being reduced to writing is in the words
following (to wit) (see Examination on File)
Adjourned. —
Feb!827. [341! Met Alban7 27-h February 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f T r>» T? j
i , * i Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer (.
His Excellency Governor Clinton having requested by
Letter that James Van Driesen may be liberated from Con
finement and the Board taking the said Request into Con
sideration do thereupon resolve that the said James Van
Driesen be accordingly discharged. —
Lieut* Col1. Henry K. Van Rensselaer appeared before the
Board and informed that there has lately been a Meeting of a
Number of disaffected Persons in the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck at the House of James Lister at
which Meeting was publicly read by Jabez Spencer a Procli-
mation of Sir Henry Clinton Commander in cheif of the
British Forces in America which Conduct being in open
Violation of the Laws of this State and destructive of the
Peace and good Government of the same and having a Ten
dency to Alienate the Minds of Friends of the American
Cause —
Therefore resolved that a warrant be made out for the
immediate Apprehension of the said Jabez Spencer together
with all such other disaffected Persons as were present at the
said Meeting and that the said warrant be delivered to Cap1
Robert Woodward for the Purpose of having the same
served.
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 637
Resolved that John May and John J. Van Valkenburgh F
who were present at the above mentioned Meeting be cited
to appear before this Board to Morrow Morning in Order
that they may be examined as to the same.
Adjourned.
[342] Met Albany 28th February 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ] j Mathew Visscher
Isaac D. Fonda j ( Samuel Stringer
John May having been cited to appear before the Board
this Day appeared agreeable to Order & being examined as
to the Meeting at James Lister's at which Sir Henry Clinton's
Proclamation was read he saith as follows (to wit) (see his
Examination on File). —
In Consequence of the above Examination resolved that
a warrant be made out directed to the said John May for the
immediate Apprehension of Silas Wood and William Bruce,
and that the said John May be directed to search the Houses
of the said Silas Wood and William Bruce for treasonable
Papers, and that he bring the Bodies with the said Papers
forthwith before us. —
Alexander Cone having been apprehended by Cap- Ichabod
Turner for being concerned in dispersing Sir Henry Clinton's
Proclamation and being brought before the Board and
Examined resolved that he be committed and that a Mittimus
be made out for him —
Adjourned. —
Met Albany i? March 1781.-
Present
John M. Beeckman j ( T
;; . 0 . i Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer
638 State of New York
Ma?1! Application was made to the Board by James Gillis for
Permission to go to his Place of Abode at the Scotch [343]
Patent and his Bail Neal Shaw consenting to the same
resolved that he have Permission accordingly until the first
Day of April next. —
Application was also made to the Board by Archibald
M'Neal for Permission to go to his Place of Abode at the
Scotch Patent to which his surety Evans Humphrey con
senting resolved that he have Permission accordingly until
the first day of April next —
Major Jacob Schermerhorn appeared before the Board
with Yutlope Chrencher & Hendrick Schermerhorn who he
informed us are able to give Information concerning a
Number of disaffected Inhabitants at Schodack and the said
Yutlope Chrencher and Hendrick Schermerhorn being
examined say as follows (to wit) (see their Examination on
File) -
Resolved that in Consequence of the above Examinations
of Yutlope Chrencher and Hendrick Schermerhorn that a
warrant be made out directed to Cap- Nicholas Staats for
the immediate Apprehension of Martin Egbertse and
Johannis Kittle —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 2^ March 1781
I78l Present
John M. Beeckman ) f Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer j (. Isaac D. Fonda
Lieu- David Hustead appeared before the Board and
informed that agreeable to our warrant he had apprehended
John Cone and David Ni[c]hols for dispersing about the
Country Sir Henry Clinton's Proclamation and that he had
also apprehended James Lister, Thomas Hicks and Henry
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 639
[344] Filkens who were present at the reading of one of the
said Proclamations at the House of the said James Lister
and they being severally brought before the Board and
Examined resolved that John Cone and David Nichols be
confined and that James Lister, Thomas Hicks, and Henry
Filkins be ordered to appear before the Board to Morrow
Morning —
Gersham Odell one of the Constable's of Hosick District
appeared before the Board and informed that he had appre
hended Jacob Timmerman against whom a warrant was
issued by this Board upon the Information of Joel Abbot &
the said Jacob Timmerman being brought before us and
examined ordered that he be committed and that a Mittimus
be made out for him —
A Letter from Abraham Fonda Esq- and Col- Abraham
Wemple dated as Schenectady was laid before the Board
wherein they inform that they send to us under Guard John
Mekelmay, John Curry & George Scott who have harboured
and secreted two Men who were on their way to the
Enemy resolved that they be Confined and that a Mittimus
be made out for them. —
Adjourned -
Met Albany 3? March 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ] ( Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer j ( Isaac D. Fonda
Resolved that Abraham Robison who is Surety for Andries
Stoll be ordered forthwith to deliver up the said Andries
Stoll-
[345] Lieu- David Hustead appearing before the Board
was examined his Examination is as follows (to wit) (see
Examination on File)
640 State of New York
J-781 Cap^ Henry Dencker appearing before the Board agree
able to order was examined his Examination is as follows
(to wit) (see Examination on File)
Cap* Nicholas Staats appeared before the Board &
informed that he had apprehended agreeable to our warrant
John J. Van Valkenburgh, John Kittle, Jacobus Moll, Peter
Wyngart, Andries Wessels, Martin Egbertse and Peter Van
Valkenburgh and they being brought before us and exam
ined resolved that Martin Egbertse Peter Wyngaert, Jacobus
Moll, John Kittle and John J. Van Valkenburgh be com
mitted and that a Mittimus be made out for them. —
It appearing to the Board from a Recommendation of
sundry well affected Inhabitants that John J. Van Valken
burgh has during the present Contest behaved himself in a
peaceable and inoffensive Manner yet as he is reputed to be
disaffected to the American Cause therefore resolved that
previous to his Discharge he enter into a Recognizance for
his future good Behaviour doing his Duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required for and during the Continuance
of the present War with Great Britain.—
John J. Van Valkenburgh of Schodack in the
County of Albany Farmer in £200
Andries Wessels apprehended by Cap? Staats being recom
mended to the Board as a Peaceable Person yet as he is also
[346] reputed to be disaffected to the American Cause there
fore resolved that previous to his Discharge he enter into a
Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing his Duty and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con
spiracies when thereunto required during the Continuance
of the present war with Great Britain —
Andries Wessels of Schodack in the County of
Albany Labourer in £100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 641
Samuel Hill of the west District of the Manor of Rens- T781
Mar. 3.
selaerwyck having been present at James Lister's when Sir
Henry Clinton's Proclamation was there read & being
Examined and it appearing from the Recommendation of
Cap- Woodward that the said Samuel Hill has always
behaved himself as a Zealous Friend to the American Cause
therefore resolved that he be discharged
The above mentioned Samuel Hill mentioning to the
Board his willingness to apprehend Jabez Spencer resolved
that a warrant for that Purpose be made out and delivered
to him. —
Thomas Hicks, James Lister, and Henry Filkins appearing
before the Board agreeable to the Order of Yesterday were
again examined and as it does not appear that they were
concerned in or promoted the reading the Proclamation
before mentioned but as they sustain the Characters of
being disaffected to the American Cause therefore resolved
that they procure Sureties for their future good Behaviour —
James Lister appearing with Israel Thomas as surety [347]
resolved that he enter into Recognizance for his good Be
haviour doing his Duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
James Lister of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in .... £100
Israel Thomas of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Thomas Hicks and Henry Filkins being unable to procure
Bail other than for their Appearance with sufficient sureties
at some future day resolved that they severally enter into
a Recognizance for their Appearance on Tuesday next with
sufficient sureties to become bound with them for their
future good Conduct and Appearance when called upon. —
642 State of New York
Thomas Hicks of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in £100
David Hustead of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Robert Woodward of the same place Farmer
also his Bail in £100
Henry Filkins of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. ... £100
David Hustead of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Robert Woodward of the same place Farmer
also his Bail in £100
Adjourned. —
1781 Met Albany 5- March 1781
Present
John M Beeckman J f
Samuel Stringer J (.
Abraham Bloodgood appeared before the Board with
Thomas M'rFeal for whom he some Time since entered
[348] Recognizance and surrendered the said Thomas
M'Feal resolved that the said Abraham Bloodgood be
accordingly discharged from the said Recognizance and
that the said Thomas M'rFeal stand committed till he procure
another sufficient surety -
John M'rFall appearing before the Board and offering to
become surety for the above mentioned Thomas M-Feal
resolved that the said Thomas M'rFall be discharged on
entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing
his Duty and appearing before any three of the Commis
sioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the
Continuance of the present War with Great Britain. -
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 643
Thomas M^Feal of the Manor of Livingston ™731
Mar. 5.
in the County of Albany Labourer in £100
John M'rFall of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
The Board having received Information that William
Laird is at Johnstown and that there is the greatest Reason
to think that he intends soon to go to Canada therefore
resolved that a warrant be made out and directed to any
Constable of Tryon County for the immediate Apprehen
sion of the said William Laird. -
Thomas Hicks who was on the third Instant bound for
his Appearance before this Board with a sufficient surety
appeared resolved that he enter into a Recognizance for
his good Behaviour, doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the Continuance of the present
war with Great Britain. —
Thomas Hicks of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. ... £100
[349] David Hustead of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Henry Filkins who was also on the third Instant bound
for his Appearance before this Board with a sufficient
surety appeared resolved that he enter into a Recognizance
for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the Continuance of the present
war with Great Britain. —
Henry Filkins of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. ... £100
Abraham Filkins of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
644 State of New York
1781 Teunis Smith of Livingston's Manor having by Virtue
of a warrant from this Board been apprehended by Jacob
Powers Constable was brought before the Board and being
interrogated as to his harbouring two British Officers, he
denied the same and it appearing from the Recommendation
of his Officers that he has always behaved himself well and
there being great Reason to think that the Charge as alledged
against him by Zachariah Holsapple is untrue therefore
resolved that he be discharged. —
Johannis Smith of Livingston's Manor being also
examined on the Information of Zachariah Holsapple as to
the Officers said to have been at the House of Teunis
Smith above mentioned and it appearing that he is alto
gether unacquainted with the same therefore resolved that
he be discharged. —
Bowles Arnold having been present at the Meeting at
James Lister's where Sir Henry Clinton's Proclamation was
read appeared agreeable to our order and being Examined as
[S5°] to tne same resolved that he be committed and that
a Mittimus be made out for him. —
Lieu- Col- Henry K. Van Rensselaer appeared before the
Board and informed us that a few days since he issued his
warrant agreeable to Law for the Apprehension of Andries
Stoll and Harpert Witbeeck who had been fined by a Court
Martial for Neglect of Militia Duty which Fine they refused
to pay that the said Andries Stoll & Harpert Witbeeck had
been apprehended by Serjeant Elijah Adams and that after
being so apprehended a Number of disaffected Persons
(to wit) Robert Mackesny, Samuel Mackesny, John Mac-
kesny, Walter Mackesny, John Barham, Peter Kimmell,
Lowrence Snyder, Jacob Fraligh, Sander Bulson, Christopher
File, Jacob Kerncross, Coenradt Heydorn, John Melius,
Abraham Van Aernam, Andries Colekamer & others did
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 645
forceably rescue the said Andries Stoll and Harpert Wit-
beeck from the said Elijah Adams resolved in Consequence
of the above information that a warrant be made out for
the immediate apprehension of the said Persons above
mentioned & all others concerned in the said Rescue. —
Adjourned.
Met Albany 6^ March 1781 Mxa7r8l6>
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T T\ T? j
< Isaac D. Fonda
•Samuel Stringer j (.
John Cone and David Nichols who a few days ago were
confined for dispersing Sir Henry Clinton's Proclamations
about the Country were brought before the Board and
severally examined resolved that they be recommitted. —
[351] Hezekiah Van Orden Esq- appeared before the
Board and requested that George Burk a Deserter from
the British Army might be discharged from Confinement
& that he the said Hezekiah Van Orden would take the said
George Burk in his Care resolved that he be discharged
accordingly. —
John Scott who was confined at the Request of Abra
ham Fonda Esq- and Col1 Abraham Wemple for har
bouring two Men who were on their way to the Enemy was
brought before the Board and examined resolved that he
be recommitted.—
Cap- Robert Woodward appeared before the Board and
informed that Nicholas Miller, John Miller, and John J.
Miller were present at the Meeting at James Lister's where
a Proclamation of Sir Henry Clinton was read; & that the
said Nicholas Miller, John Miller and John J. Miller
appeared to be warmly engaged in promoting the reading the
said Proclamation wherefore it is resolved that a warrant be
646 State of New York
1781 made out directed to Cap1 Nicholas Staats for their immediate
Apprehension
Adjourned. -
Ma7r8l7. Met Albany ;th March 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ^ ( ,, . T7. .
-L , 0 . Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer > •< T . . T, _ .
T T^ T- j I eremiah Van Rensselaer
Isaac D. Fonda [ J
His Excellency Governor Clinton having in Consequence of
the Information received by this Board from Lieu- Col-
Henry K. Van Rensselaer on the 5- Instant ordered a Party
of [352] Col- Cuyler's Regiment to apprehend all those who
were concerned in rescueing Andries Stoll and Harpert
Lansing from the Custody of Elijah Adams and they having
apprehended a Number of disaffected Persons concerned
in the said Rescue and the said Persons being by order of his
Excellency the Governor brought before the Board and
severally Examined their Names are as follows (to wit)
Samuel Swertfeger, Melchert File, Jacob Weeger Jun~,
John Weeger, Christopher File, Christopher Shaver Robert
Machesny, Walter Machesny, Abraham Roberts, John
Smith, Harper Lansing, Coenradt Heydorn, Coenradt
Colehamer, John Klint, Andries Stoll Samuel Machesny,
Jacob Fraligh and Isaac Hop resolved that they be severally
committed and that a Mittimus be made out for them. —
The Board having received Information that a certain
Person supposed to be a spy from the Enemy has been at the
House of Lieu- Cleveland and the said Cleveland being
ordered to appear before us and he appearing on being
examined says that he does not recollect having seen any
such Person at his House resolved that it be recommended
to him to be Extremely vigilant in learning the Characters
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 647
of such Persons as he entertains in his House and from Time 1781
to Time give Information to this Board of all such Persons
of whom he may be suspicious. —
William Rowke being apprehended and brought before
the Board as a suspicious Person on being examined says
that he is enlisted during the war for a class resolved
that he be delivered over to Lieu- Snow. —
Adjourned.
[353] Met Albany 8* March 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Mathew Visscher
Isaac D. Fonda j \ Hugh Mitchell
The Board having received Information that at the house
of Dirck Van Der Wilgen at the Hellebergh there has lately
been a Meeting of a Number of disaffected Persons at
which said Meeting among others were present Peter Seeger
and Gerrit Seeger resolved in Consequence of the said
Information that the Said Dirck Van Der Wilgen Gerrit
Seeger and Peter Seeger be cited to appear before the Board
to give Information as to the above Meeting —
John Curry, John Mekelmay and John Scott having made
application to the Board to be liberated from Confinement
on Bail and the same being taken into Consideration resolved
that they be severally liberated accordingly on entering into
Recognizance to appear within ten Days from the Date hereof
with each of them a sufficient surety before the Commissioners
for Conspiracies at Schenectady and that before the said
Commissioners they severally enter into a Recognizance for
their good Behaviour doing their duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
648 State of New York
John Curry of Ballstown in the County of
Albany Farmer in £100
John Mekelmay of the same Place Farmer in. £100
John Scott of the same place Farmer in. ... £100
Adjourned. —
[354] Met Albany 9^? March 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman } f T ^ ^ ,
« , c • 1 Isaac D- Fonda
Samuel Stringer J
Robert Simmons late a Cap- in the Enemies Service being
at present in this City and it being conceived necessary that
he should be examined and he being sent for and appearing
was examined his Examination is as follows (to wit)
(see Examination on File)
Resolved that Melchert File be discharged from Confine
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present war with Greaf Britain —
Melchert File of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. ... £100
Isaac Van Aernam of the City of Albany
Hatter his Bail in £100
Resolved that Nicholas Miller be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his Duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 649
Nicholas Miller of the East District of the 1781
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Innkeeper in. . £100
John Ja. Miller of the same place Taylor
his Bail in £100
Resolved that John J. Miller be discharged from [355] con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behav
iour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required dur
ing the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain. —
John J. Miller of the East District in the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. ... £100
Nicholas Staats of the same Place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Resolved that John Andrew be discharged from confine
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain. —
John Andrew of New-town in the County
of Albany Labourer in £100
Coenradt Nestly of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
The Board being informed that Samuel Inglis of the west
District of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck was present at the
Reading of Sir Henry Clinton's Proclamation at the House of
James Lister resolved in Consequence thereof that the said
Samuel Inglis be cited to appear before this Board forthwith
to answer to the same. —
Resolved that Lieu- David Hustead and David Sprague be
cited to appear forthwith before the Board in order that they
may be examined as to the Meeting at James Lister's. —
Derick Van Der Welgen, Peter Seeger & Gerrit Seeger
650 State of New York
having been cited to appear before the Board for the Pur
pose of being Examined respecting a Meeting of a Number
of [356] disaffected Persons at the Hellebergh at which they
were present and they appearing agreeable to the said
order were severally examined and say as follows (to wit)
(see their Examination on File)
Adjourned
gi Met Albany lo1-^ March 1781 -
Mar. 10. Present
John M. Beeckman } ( Isaac D. Fonda
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer j ( Samuel Stringer
James Brisben appeared before the Board and requested
Permission to go to his Place of Abode at Saragtoga and
remain some time with his Family which Request of the
said James Brisben being taken into Consideration resolved
that he have Leave granted him accordingly until the first
day of April next. —
Henry Tinkey also restricted by Recognizance to the
Limits of this City appeared before the Board and requested
to go to his Place of Abode at the Scotch Patent resolved
on considering the same that he also have Leave granted
until the first day of April Next. -
Resolved that Nicholas Muller enter into a Recognizance
for his appearance at the next Supream Court of Judicature
held for the State of New York at the City Hall in this City
on the third Tuesday in April next (or wheresoever the said
Court shall then be held in the State aforesaid) and not to
depart the Court without Leave. —
Nicholas Muller of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Innkeeper in. . £100
[357] Jerone Van Valkenburgh of Schodack
Farmer his Bail in £100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 651
Resolved that John J. Miller enter into a Recognizance 1781
for his appearance at the next Supream Court of Judicature
held for the State of New York at the City Hall in the City
of Albany on the third Tuesday in April next (or whereso
ever the said Court shall then be held in the State afore
said) and not to depart the Court without Leave. —
John J. Miller of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. ... £100
Jerone Van Valkenburgh of Schodack Farm
er his Bail in £100
Samuel Swertfeger having been confined for being con
cerned in the late Meeting of the disaffected on the Hosick
Road and it appearing that the charge is not well founded
therefore resolved that he be discharged. —
Adjourned
Met Albany 12^ March 1781 1781
Present Mar" "•
John M. Beeckman | j Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer j ( Isaac D. Fonda
Resolved that John Klint be discharged from Confinement
on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his Duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the Present War with Great Britain —
John Klint of the East District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Schoolmaster in £100
John Leonard of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer his Bail
in £100
[358] Resolved that Martin Egbertse be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
652 State of New York
MaJ8i2 Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the Present war with
Great Britain. —
Martin Egbertse of Schodack Innkeeper in. . £100
Jacob Schermerhorn of the same place
Farmer his Bail in £100
Resolved that John Jerone Van Valkenburgh be dis
charged from Confinement on entering into a Recognizance
for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the Continuance of the Present
war with Great Britain. —
John Jerone Van Valkenburgh of Schodack
Farmer in £400
Jacob Schermerhorn of the same place
Farmer his Bail in £400
Resolved that Bowles Arnold be discharged from Confine
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behav
iour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain. —
Bowles Arnold of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. ... £100
Reuben Rowley of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
It appearing evident to this Board from the Examination
of Jonas Odell that Augustus Jeram is a dangerous and
disaffected Person and that his going at large unless under
Restrictions may be attended with evil [359] Consequences
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 653
to the Safety of the State It is therefore resolved that a *78i
warrant be made out directed to John May for the immediate
Apprehension of the said Augustus Jeram. —
Adjourned. —
Met Albany 13^ March 1781 1781
Present Man **'
John M. Beeckman } j Mathew Visscher
Isaac D. Fonda J ( Samuel Stringer
Resolved that Seth Rowley be cited to appear forthwith
before the Board for the Purpose of being examined as to
sundry Persons concerned in distributing about the Country
Sir Henry Clinton's Proclamation. —
Henry Simpson of the west District of the Manor of
Rensselaerwyck appeared before the Board & informed us
that a few days ago Evert Jansen came to his House in a
Sleigh and had with him Joseph Bettis and that the said
Jansen & Bettis after remaining there sometime went
away together resolved in Consequence of the above Infor
mation that the said Evert Jansen be immediately appre
hended and brought before us. —
Jacob Kidney appearing informed the Board that he had
agreeable to order apprehended Evert Jansen £ the said
Evert Jansen being Examined and unwillingly [sic] to answer
candidly to the Questions proposed to him therefore resolved
that he be committed and that a Mittimus be made out for
him. —
Lieutenant Nicholas Bower appeared before the Board
and informed us that agreeable to the Directions of [360]
Samuel Ten Broeck Esq- he had brought up from Liv
ingston's Manor a Prisoner who calls himself William
Hartley who the said Samuel Ten Broeck had caused to be
apprehended as a Suspicious Person and the said William
554 State of New York
1781 Hartley being brought before the Board & examined re
solved that he be committed and that a Mittimus be made
out for him. —
Resolved that David Nichols be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the Present war with
Great Britain. -
David Nichols of Stephen-town in the County
of Albany Farmer in £100
Ichabod Turner of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Resolved that Jacob Freligh be discharged from Confine
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the Present war with Great Britain. —
Jacob Freligh of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Labourer in. . . £100
Martin Freligh of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Adjourned -
1781 [361] Met Albany 14^ March 1781. —
Mar. 14.
Present
John M. Beeckman j ( Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
Isaac D Fonda V J Mathew visscher
Samuel Stringer v
It appearing from the Examination of Henry Simpson
that Joseph Bettis has been harboured by One Thomas who
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 655
lives in the west District of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Mx£81
on a Farm formerly belonging to Abraham Boom resolved
in Consequence of the same that a warrant be made out
directed to Jacob Hilton forthwith to apprehend & bring
before us the said Thomas. —
Jacobus Moll who was the other Day confined being
brought before the Board and he acknowledging his Fault
and promising to amend his Conduct in future therefore
resolved that he be discharged from Confinement —
William Hartley who was Confined on Suspicion of his
being a spy from the Enemy was brought before the Board
and examined and then ordered to be recommitted. —
Resolved that Alamander Cone be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present War with
Great Britain. —
Alamander Cone of Stephen Town in the
County of Albany Joiner in £100
Ichabod Cone of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
[362] His Excellency Governor Clinton having requested
the Board to examine William Hartley in his Presence and
his Excellency now attending for that Purpose the said
William Hartley was brought before the Board and being
Examined says as follows (to wit) (see Examination on
File)
It appearing from the above Examination that Ryneir
Vischer of this City is concerned with other disaffected '
Persons in endeavouring by enlisting Men for the enemy
to subvert the Liberty and Independance of this State and
as the said Rvneir Visher sustains the Character of dis-
656 State of New York
J78i affection therefore resolved that a warrant be made out
and directed to Jacob Kidney for the immediate appre
hension of the said Ryneir Vischer —
Adjourned —
s. Met Albany 15^ March 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T r\ T? j
•J •{ Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer j I
Lieu- Jacob Snyder of Schohary appeared before the Board
and informed us that by order of Col- Peter Vrooman he
had apprehended Hendrick Kneiskern Jun- and Jacob
Saltsbergh who last Fall assisted Sir John Johnson in
destroying Schohary and the said Hendrick Kneiskern Jun-r
and Jacob Saltsbergh being examined resolved that they be
committed and that a Mittimus be made out for them —
Resolved that the Examination of Lieu- [363] Jacob
Snyder with Respect to the Conduct of sundry disaffected
Persons at the Bever Dam be taken which is in the words
following (to wit) (see Examination on File)
Sander Bulson having been apprehended with those
Persons concerned in the Rescue of Harpert Lansing and
Andries Stoll and Lieu- Col1- Henry Van Rensselaer having
certified to the Board that the Conduct of the said Sander
Bulson had always been inoffensive & that he has done his
duty in the Militia therefore resolved that he be discharged
from Confinement.—
Resolved that James Bruce of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck be cited forthwith to appear
before this Board with a sufficient surety to enter into
Recognizance of anew. —
Samuel Inglis having been present at the Meeting at
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 657
James Lister's at which was read a Proclamation of Sir MI7Sl
Henry Clinton having been cited to appear before the Board
appeared resolved that he enter into a Recognizance for his
appearance At the Court of Oyer and Terminer at present
held in the City Hall of this City then and there to answer
such Matters as shall be alledged against him and not to
depart the Court without Leave. —
Samuel Inglis of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Cooper in £100
Abraham Van Aernam who was apprehended for assisting
in the Rescue of Lansing and Stoll requesting to be discharged
from Confinement and his [364] Conduct notwithstanding
his Political Principles having always been unexceptionable
(expect1 in the present Instance) therefore resolved that he
be discharged. —
Adjourned. —
Met Albany i6^h March 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T ^ ^ ,
] Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer (
William Hartley being again brought before the Board and
examined says that Nathaniel Cotton of Cooksakie is con
cerned in enlisting Men for the Service of the enemy and that
the said Cotton furnished him with a Pass to travel through
the Country in order that he the said William Hartley might
be able the better to carry on his Practices against the State. —
Resolved in Consequence of the above Information that a
warrant be made out directed to John Tillman Jun- forth
with to apprehend & bring before us the said Nathaniel
Cotton. —
1 So in the original for " except."
658 State of New York
Resolved that Johannis Kittle be discharged from Con
finement on entering into Recognizance for his good Be
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
Johannis Kittle of Schodack in the County
of Albany Farmer in £200
Philip Schermerhorn of the same place Cord
wainer his Bail in £100
[365] Jacob J. Van Valkenburgh of the same
place Cordwainer also his Bail in £100
William Hartley having also informed the Board that
Samuel Baker of the East District of the Manor of Rens-
selaerwyck has in his Possession Commissions from New
York which he is to deliver to such Persons as are willing
to enlist Men for the Service of the Enemy and that he has
also with him Proclamations of Sir Henry Clinton which he
disperses about the Country and Cap- Nicholas Staats
having been requested to apprehend the said Samuel Baker
and bring him before the Board this day appeared with him
and the said Samuel Baker being examined Resolved that
he be committed and that a Mittimus be made out for
him. —
It being suggested to the Board that M- Visscher (Mother
of Ryneir Visher who was a few days ago confined) is on
Account of the confinement of her said son reduced to a
State of Indigence and want as she with her Family depend
solely upon him for their Support. —
Resolved therefore that the said Ryneir Vischer be liberated
from Confinement on entering into Recognizance for his
good Behaviour doing his duty & appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 659
required during the Continuance of the present war with Ml7Sl
Great Britain. —
Ryneir Vischer of the City of Albany Silver
Smith in £100
Teunis Visscher of the same place Yeoman
his Bail in £100
Resolved that Peter Wyngaert be discharged from [366]
Confinement on entering into Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain -
Peter Wyngaert of Schodack in the County
of Albany Farmer in £100
Jacob J. Van Valkenburgh of D° Cord-
wainer his Bail in £ 50
Philip Schermerhorn of D° D? also his
Bail in £ 50
Adjourned.—
Met Albany i;«? March 1781 -
John M. Beeckman } j Mathew Visscher
Isaac D. Fonda j ( Samuel Stringer
Jacob Saltsbergh of Schohary who was the other day
confined was brought before the Board for examination and
having been examined was ordered to be Recommitted —
Resolved that Jacob Weeger Jun- be discharged from
Confinement on his entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto re
quired for and during the Continuance of the present war
660 State of New York
1781 with Great Britain and also for his Appearance at the next
Supream Court of Judicature to be held for the State of New
York at the City Hall in the City of Albany on the third
Tuesday in April next (or wheresoever the said Court shall
then be held [367] in the State aforesaid) to answer to such
Matters as shall be alledged against him and not depart
the Court without Leave. —
Thomas Weeger Jun- of the East District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in . . £100
Thomas Weeger of Tomhenick in the County
of Albany Farmer his Bail in £100
Resolved that John Cone be discharged from Confinement
on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
John Cone of Stephen Town Farmer in. ... £100
Benjamin Sacket of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Resolved that Johannis Weeger be discharged from
Confinement on his entering into Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain. —
Johannis Weeger of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. ... £100
Coenradt Heyner of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
John May appeared before the Board with Jasper Crandel
and Stephen Wilcocks who he informed us he had appre-
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 66 1
bended by order of Daniel Hull Esq^ Justice of the Peace &
' J Mar. 17.
the said John May at the same time laid before the Board
sundry Examinations taken by the said Daniel Hull respect
ing the [368] Conduct of the said Jasper Crandell and
Stephen Wilcocks which Examinations being read and it
appearing therefrom that the said Crandell and Wilcocks
are disaffected and dangerous Persons therefore resolved
that they be committed and a Mittimus made out for
them —
Adam Pabst heretofore bound by Recognizance being
ordered to appear before this Board with a sufficient surety
to enter Recognizance of a new appeared resolved that
he be bound for his good Behaviour doing his duty and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con
spiracies when thereunto required during the Continuance
of the present war with Great Britain. —
Adam Pabst of the Hellebergh in the County
of Albany Farmer in ................... £100
Andries Ward Jun- of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ............................. £100
Adjourned
Met Albany i8'h March 1781
Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ) f T r\ T? j
J 1 Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) (
Daniel Hewson who last Year went to Canada from this
City and joined the Enemy and who lately surrendered him
self at Fort Schuyler being brought to his Excellency Gov
ernor Clinton and he referring the said Daniel Hewson to
this Board for Examination & the said Daniel Hewson
being examined says as follows (to wit) (see his Examina
tion on File)
662 State of New York
1781 Ordered that a Mittimus be made out for the said Daniel
Mar. 1 8.
Hewson —
[369] Nathaniel Cotton having been apprehended by
James Green by order of this Board upon the Information of
William Hartley resolved that the said James Green
attend with the said Nathaniel Cotton before this Board to
Morrow Morning. —
Adjourned —
*78i Met Albany 10^ March 1781
Mar. 19. ~ J y i
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T r^ T? j
J \ Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher ) (
Nathaniel Cotton who was Yesterday brought before the
Board by James Green being again produced was examined
as to the Charges alledged against him by William Hartley
which he utterly denying and producing to this Board a
Recommendation of his uniform Attachment to the Ameri
can Cause signed by Leonard Bronck Esq^ of Cooksakie in
whose House the said Nathaniel Cotton has for two Years
past resided resolved on Considering of the Above Recom
mendation that the said Nathaniel Cotton be discharged. —
Daniel Hewston who was Yesterday confined being
brought before the Board was again examined ordered
that he be recommitted. —
Adjourned
I78l Met Albany 20- March 1781
Mar. 20. Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T r^ T? j
j \ Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher ) (
Resolved that Hendrick Kittle be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his [370] appear-
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 663
ance on the third Tuesday in April next at the Supream
Court of Judicature to be held for the State of New York
at the City Hall in this City (or wheresoever the said Court
shall then be held in the State aforesaid) to answer to such
Matters as shall then and there be alledged against him and
not to depart the Court without Leave —
Hendrick Kittle of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. ... £100
Jacob J. Van Valkenburgh of the same place
Cordwainer his Bail in ................. £100
Resolved that Nicholas Shaver be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the Present war with
Great Britain -
Nicholas Shaver of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. ... £100
John Tillman of the City of Albany Inn
keeper his Bail in ...................... £ 50
Resolved that Isaac Hops be discharged from Confine
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his Appearance
at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be held for the
State of New York at the City Hall in this City on the third
Tuesday in April next (or wheresoever the said Court shall
then be held in the State aforesaid) and not to depart the
Court without Leave -
Isaac Hops of the East District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ............ £100
[371] Barent Heyner of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ............................ £100
Adjourned -
664 State of New York
Mar" "' Present
Met Albany 21^ March 1781
John M. Beeckman ) (
Samuel Stringer ) (
Resolved that Jacob Timmerman Alias Jacob Carpenter
be discharged from Confinement on entering into a Recog
nizance for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appear
ing before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the Continuance of the
present war with Great Britain
Jacob Timmerman alias dictus Jacob Car
penter of Hoosick District in the County of
Albany Farmer in £100
Abraham Bovee of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £ 50
Johannis Daet Junr of the same place Farmer
also his Bail in £ 50
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 22-d March 1781
Man 22' Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Daniel Hewston being again ordered to be brought before
the Board and being further examined ordered that he be
recommitted. —
Resolved that John Smith be discharged from [372] Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance to appear at the
next Supream Court of Judicature to be held for the State
of New York at the City Hall in this City on the third
Tuesday in April next (or wheresoever the said Court shall
then be held in the State aforesaid) to answer to such Matters
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 665
as shall be alledged against him and not to depart the Court
without Leave and in the Mean time be of the good Be
haviour -
John Smith of the East District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in £100
John Freer of the same place Weaver his
Bail in £100
William Hartley being ordered to be brought before the
Board for further Examination was accordingly brought
and examined ordered that he be recommitted —
It appearing from the Examination of William Hartley
that John Van Deusen of Great Barrington living near
Monument Mountain is possessed of Commissions and Proc
lamations which he has received from the Enemy at New
York-
Resolved in Consequence of the said Information that
a Letter be wrote to Timothy Edwards Esq- at Stock-
bridge requesting him to have the House of the said John
Van Deusen searched which Letter is in the following words
(to wit) (here take in Letter)
Adjourned
Met Albany 23d March 1781 *7Sl
~ / o / Mar. 23.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Mathew Visscher
[373] Resolved that Abraham Roberts be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his appear
ance at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be held
for the State of New York at the City Hall in this City on the
third Tuesday in April next (or wheresoever the said Court
shall then be held in the State aforesaid) to answer to such
666 State of New York
2 Matters as shall be alledged against him and not to depart
the Court without Leave. —
Abraham Roberts of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. ... £100
William Van Den Bergh of the City of Albany
Labourer his Bail in £100
Isaac Vosburgh of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Labourer also
his Bail in £100
Resolved that Coenradt Colehamer be discharged from
Confinement on Stephenus Colehamer and Paul Snyder's
entering into Recognizance for the Appearance of the said
Coenradt Colehamer at the next Supream Court of Judica
ture to be held for the State of New York at the City Hall in
this City on the third Tuesday in April next (or wheresoever
the said Court shall then be held in the State aforesaid) to
answer to such Matters as shall be alledged against him
and not to depart the Court without Leave -
Stephenus Colehamer of the East District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer
Bail for Coenradt Colehamer in £100
Paul Snyder of the same place Farmer also
his Bail in £100
[374] Resolved that Coenradt Heydorn be discharged
from Confinement on entering into Recognizance for his
Appearance at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be
held for the State of New York at the City Hall in this City
on the third Tuesday in April next (or wheresoever the said
Court shall then be held in the State aforesaid) to answer to
such Matters as shall be alledged against him and not to
depart the Court without Leave -
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 667
Coenradt Heydorn of the East District of the I78i
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in .... £100
Petrus Heydorn of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Adjourned —
Met Albany 24^ March 1781 1781
Present "*' 2*
John M Beeckman ) ( Isaac D ^^
bamuel Stringer ) (
Resolved that Stephen Wilcocks be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behav
iour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain. —
Stephen Wilcocks of Little Hosick in the
County of Albany Farmer in £100
Ephraim Jackson of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Resolved that Joseph Crandell be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before [375] any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there
unto required during the Continuance of the present war
with Great Britain. —
Jasper Crandell of Little Hosick in the
County of Albany Farmer in £100
Thomas Crandell of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Resolved that Daniel Hewson Jun- be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
668 State of New York
2 0*" ^e Commissioners f°r Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
Daniel Hewson Jun- of the City of Albany
Cordwainer in £100
Casper Cogh of Stonearabia in Tryon County
Farmer his Bail in £ 50
John Hoogkerk of Albany Taylor also his
Bail in £ 50
Adjourned
k Met Alban7 26~ March 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T rx T? j
i , n • l *saac D. Fonda
bamuel Stringer ) (
A Certificate signed by John McKesson Esq- Clerk of
the Supream Court was laid before the Board certifying
that Christopher File (who was confined for being concerned
in the Rescue of Harpert Lansing and Andries Stoll) has
given sureties to the Court for his good Behaviour in future
for twelve Kalander Months & as the said Christopher File
stands Committed by Virtue of a Mittimus of this Board
resolved that the said Mittimus be withdrawn and that the
said Christopher File be discharged from Confinement -
[376] Resolved that Isaac Aarse be discharged from Con
finement on Abraham Bloodgood of the City of Albany
entering into a Recognizance for the said Isaac Aarse's
being of the good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the Continuance of the
present war with Great Britain -
Abraham Bloodgood of the City of Albany
Innkeeper as Bail for Isaac Aarse in £100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 669
Resolved that Andries Stoll be discharged from Confine-
ment on his entering into a Recognizance for his Appearance
at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be held for the
State of New York at the City Hall in this City on the third
Tuesday in April next (or wheresoever the said Court shall
then be held in the State aforesaid) to answer to such Matters
as shall be alledged against him and not depart the Court
without Leave
Andries Stoll of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Blacksmith in. . £100
Henry Dencker of the same place Farmer
his Bail in . £100
Adjourned
Met Albany 27^? March 1781 1781
Mar. 27.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( [Stewart Dean]
A Letter from the Hon— Brigadier General James
Clinton was laid before the Board wherein he informs us
that there is at present in Goal a Prisoner of war named
John Palmer to whose liberation from Confinement he has
no [377] Objection provided the said John Palmer procure
Bail to this Board for his appearance before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon until
exchanged or otherwise discharged from his Recognizance
and Volkert A. Douw being willing to become surety for the
said John Palmer resolved that he accordingly enter into
Recognizance for the appearance of the said John Palmer
as above mentioned -
Volkert A. Douw of the City of Albany as
Bail for John Palmer in £100
A Certificate signed by Robert Harper Esq- Clerk of the
670 State of New York
Council of Appointment was laid before the Board whereby
it appears that Stewart Dean Esq- was on the 26— day of
March Instant appointed by the Hon— the Council of
Appointment a Commissioner for Conspiracies for this
County in the Stead of Mathew Visscher and Jeremiah Van
Rensselaer Esq— who have resigned in Consequence of which
said Certificate the said Stewart Dean took the Oath of
Office as prescribed in and by an Act of the Legislature of this
State entitled " An Act for appointing Commissioners for
Conspiracies and declaring their Powers " and took his Seat
at the Board accordingly —
Cap- Ichabod Turner appeared before the Board and
informed us that he had apprehended Seth Rowley an
Inhabitant of Stephen Town for having been present at the
Meeting at James Lister's and for being one of the Chief
Promoters in having Sir Henry Clinton's Proclamation
read at the said Meeting resolved in Consequence of the said
Meeting that the said Seth Rowley be confined and that a
Mittimus be made out for him —
Adjourned. —
[378] Met Albany 28^ March 1781
Present
John M^Beeckman
Stewart Dean
John Cobham having been ordered by this Board not to
leave this City without our Permission and appearing this
Day before us requested the Liberty of going to Fort Miller
for the Purpose of settling his private Business resolved
in Consequence of the said Application that a Permit be
granted him accordingly -
Col- Veeder appeared before the Board and informed us
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 671
that Philip Cough of the Hellebergh lately went down the
Country under a Pretence of going to Philadelphia but that
it appears from many concurring Circumstances that he has
been at New York and that the said Philip Cough took with
him from the Hellebergh a woman whose Husband is gone
off to the Enemy and who is supposed to be at New York
resolved in Consequence of the said Information that the
said Philip Cough be cited forthwith to appear before this
Board to answer to the above Charge. —
Nicholas Cluet having been cited to appear before the
Board appearing was examined as to the Conduct of some
disaffected Persons living on the Nistageune Road —
A Letter from Jacob Ford Esq? of Kings District was laid
before the Board inclosing sundry Examinations respecting
the Conduct of Ambrose Vincent, John Mandigo and Stokes
Potter which Letter and examinations are in the words
following (to wit) (See Letter and Examinations on File)
[379] resolved that the Consideration of the above Letter
and Examinations be postponed untill to Morrow. —
Adjourned
Met Albany 29^? March 1781 1781
Present Mar- **•
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stewart Dean
Resolved that Harpert Lansing be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his Appearance
at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be held for the
State of New York at the City Hall in the City of Albany on
the third Tuesday in April next (or wheresoever the said
Court shall then be held in the State aforesaid) to answer
to such Matters as shall be alledged against him and not to
depart the Court without Leave.—
672 State of New York
1781 Harpert Lansing of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in .... £100
Jacob Vischer of Cooksborough in the
County of Albany Farmer his Bail in .... £100
The Board taking into Consideration the Letter and
Examinations Yesterday received from Jacob Ford EsqJ do
resolve on Consideration thereof that a warrant be made
out for the Apprehension of Ambrose Vincent, John Mandigo
and Stokes Potter —
Resolved that the above warrant be transmitted to the
said Jacob Ford and that a Letter be wrote requesting him
to have the same served as soon as possible and that he
bind over the Witnesses against the said Ambrose Vincent,
John Mandigo [380] and Stokes Potter to appear at the next
Supream Court —
Adjourned —
*78i Met Albany 30^ March 1781
Mar. 30. D J * '
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Stewart Dean
Isaac D. Fonda ) \ Samuel Stringer
Philip Cough who was on the 28- Instant cited to appear
before this Board appearing was examined and it appearing
from his Examination that the Charges as alledged against
him by Col- Veeder are groundless therefore resolved that he
be discharged —
Peter Livingston of the Hellebergh having forfeited
the Recognizance by him entered into before this Board
therefore resolved that he be cited to appear with all Con
venient speed to show cause why the same should not be
prosecuted -
The Recognizance of Philip Empey, Johannis Staring,
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 673
Nicholas Ault, Peter Fikes and Adam Shaver having become
forfeited to the State by their going to and Joining the enemy
resolved therefore that the Secretary to this Board make
out the said Recognizance in order that the Bails may be
prosecuted on the same by the Attorney General —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 31^ March 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stewart Dean
Resolved that Seth Rowley be discharged from [381]
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his appear
ance at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be held for
the State of New York at the City Hall in the City of Albany
on the third Tuesday in April next (or wheresoever the said
Court shall then be held in the State aforesaid) to answer
to such Matters as shall be alledged against him and not to
depart the Court without Leave —
Seth Rowley of Stephen Town in the County
of Albany Farmer in £100
Amos Miner of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
The Board having received Information from Cap- John
Van Wie that the two sons of Hezekiah Schoenmaker are
mising and that there is Reason to suspect they are gone to the
Enemy in order to determine which it is resolved that a
Citation be made out for the said Hezekiah Schoenmaker to
appear before this Board forthwith in order that he may be
examined as to the same —
Adjourned —
674 State of New York
Met Albany 2^ April 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) t c T^
« i o • j Stewart Dean
bamuel Stringer ) (
Archibald M?Neil of the Scotch Patent appeared before
the Board and informed us that agreeable to the Tenor of
his Recognizance he appeared to wait the further Order of this
Board — resolved that the said Archibald M-Neil remove
with his Family into the interior Part of this State by the
i- day of May next and that he be informed [382] that
unless he complies with this order his Recognizance will be
prosecuted —
Neal Shaw appeared before the Board and laid before us a
Letter from James Gillis for whom he is surety in which
Letter the said Gillis prays that his non Appearance on this
day may not be construed as a Forfeiture of his Recog
nizance as he is unable to come on Account of his being
indisposed —
Resolved that the same James Gillis be also ordered by
the first day of May next to remove with his Family into the
Interior parts of this State —
Henry Tinkey appeared before the Board and laid before
us a Request of his Bail that he might be indulged with
Permission to remain some time longer at home —
Resolved that the said Henry Tinkey by the first day
of May next also remove his Effects and Family into the
Interior Parts of this State —
Adjourned
Met Albany 3^ April 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Stewart Dean
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 675
John M. Beeckman
Isaac D. Fonda
I
Samuel Stringer
Stewart Dean
Resolved that John Hodkison be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour and appearing before any three of the Commis-
ioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required and
remaining within the Limits of the City of Albany until
exchanged or otherwise discharged by this Board —
John Hodkison of the City of Albany La
bourer in £100
Rykert Bovee of Maple Town in the County
of Albany Farmer his Bail in £100
Captain Benjamin Du Bois appeared before the Board
and informed the Board that Samuel Van Buskerk, Luke
Dewitt and the wife of Johan Jurie Fought are dangerous
and disaffected Persons whose going at Large may be danger
ous to the State. —
The Board having received Information that DT George
Smith is at present in this City and as he has received no
Permission from this Board for that Purpose therefore
resolved that Jacob Kidney the Door Keeper be ordered to
bring the said D- Smith forthwith before us. —
[383] D- Smith being brought before the Board says in
Justification of his Conduct that he was ordered to Town
by Gen- Clinton for the Purpose of preparing himself to go
to Canada in order to his being exchanged and the same
being deemed Satisfactory resolved that he be discharged
and Permission be granted him to remain in Town for
eight days to settle his Business —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 5^ April 1781
Present
676 State of New York
1781 Resolved in Consequence of the above Information that
a warrant be made out for them and That Cap- Du Bois
be requested to have the same served —
[384] James Brisben who was by Recognizance bound to
remain within the Limits of this City appeared before the
Board and requested Permission to go to Saragtoga to see
his Family and his Bail Peter Sharp consenting thereto
resolved that he have Permission granted him accordingly
untill the first day of May next —
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 6^ April 1781
Apr. 6. Present
Samuel Stringer ) ( T r^ T? i
K Isaac D. Fonda
Stewart Dean ) (
John Kerner appeared before the Board and informed
us that Frederick Shaver of the East District & the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck by his Conduct & Conversation
daily gives Offence to the well affected Subjects of the
State —
Wherefore resolved that a warrant be made out for the
Apprehension of the said Frederick Shaver and that the
said warrant be directed to the said John Kerner in order
that he may serve the same —
A Letter from his Excellency Governor Clinton to the
Honorable Brigadier General James Clinton was laid before
the Board by Samuel Stringer Esq- wherein the Governor in-
informs that he has received Information that there are a
number of Persons who last Fall came from the Enemy at
the Hellebergh and Places Adjacent and recommending it
to General Clinton to detach Parties from Kats Kill, Cook-
sakie, Schohary and from this place for the purpose [385]
of apprehending all such persons resolved in Consequence
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 677
of the said Letter that the Hon^£ Brigadier Gen- Gansevoort
be sent for in order to consult wtih him as to the Steps neces
sary to be taken in carrying the above plan into Execution —
Adjourned 1781
Met Albany 7^ April 1781 APr-7.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Stewart Dean
Frederick Shaver having been apprehended was brought
before the Board and being examined and it appearing to
us necessary that the said Frederick Shaver be laid under
a Recognizance therefore resolved that previous to his Dis
charge he enter into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when thereunto required -
Frederick Shaver of the East District of Rens-
selaerwyck Farmer in £100
John Kerner of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Resolved agreeable to the plan Yesterday adopted by
General Gansevoort that a Letter be wrote to Major Scher-
merhorn requesting him with a Party of Men to go to Coye-
mans in order to apprehend such as are endeavouring to
escape to the East side of the River —
Adjourned
Met Albany 10^ April 1781 I78i
Present APr- I0-
John M. Beeckman ) (0 ^
J -j btewart Dean
Isaac D. Tonda ) (
[386] William Dewitt appeared before the Board &
brought before us a certain person who he had apprehended
678 State of New York
1781 on Suspicion of his being a spy from the Enemy who being
examined says his Name is Abel Bacon and he being unable
to give a Satisfactory Account of himself therefore resolved
that he be confined and that the Goaler be directed to keep
him in Custody untill he shall be discharged by an order
of this Board -
Adjourned -
Met Albany ii1-* April 1781
Present
Jo
Isaac D. Fonda ) (
John M. Beeckman )
)
M- Fonda informed the Board that he had received Infor
mation that Philip Lansing who last Spring joined the
Enemy is come from Canada and is supposed to be on his
way to New York with dispatches. —
Resolved that it be recommended to M- Fonda to obtain
the fullest Information of this Matter and endeavour if
possible to have the said Philip Lansing apprehended —
A Letter from Captain Ichabod Turner was laid before
the Board informing us that Seth Rowley who was by us
bound for his Appearance at the next Supream Court has
inlisted in the nine months Service and recommending it to
us to discharge the said Seth Rowley from that Part of his
Recognizance requiring his Appearance at Court and we
having considered the Contents of the said Letter do resolve
that the said Seth Rowley be discharged accordingly —
[387] Joseph Hawkins appeared before the Board and
requested from us Permission to go and look for a Farm
on which he might remove his Family resolved that he have
leave granted him accordingly. —
Adjourned. -
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 679
Met Albany 12^? April 1781 1781
Present Apr'12'
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stewart Dean
Robert Kenneday appeared before the Board and laid
before us a Letter from Col- Anthony Van Bergen wherein
he informs us that he sends to us under Guard a person
who he has had apprehended on Suspicion and the said
person being brought before us and examined says his
Name is Jonathan OBrian and that he is a deserter from
Col- James Livingston's Regiment resolved that he be
confined and that Col- Livingston be informed thereof. -
The Board having received Information that Hezekiah
Schoenmaker and Henry Schoenmaker have left there
places of abode some time ago in order to avoid doing
Militia Duty and paying their Rates and are now Secreted
about Cooksakie resolved in Consequence of the said Infor
mation that a warrant be made out & directed to Robert
Kenneday of Cooksakie to apprehend the said Hezekiah
Schoenmaker and Henry Schoenmaker and forthwith bring
them before us at the City Hall in this City. —
Adjourned —
[388] Met Albany 13^ April 1781 A£8^
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Stewart Dean
Brigadier General James Clinton laid before the Board
a letter received by him from Teunis Van Wagenen at Cats
Kill dated 12— Instant in which he informs him that agree
able to his Directions he had proceeded to the Westward
with a Party of Men and has apprehended Jurry Hoofman,
680 State of New York
1781 Frederick Lobus, Frederick Schraader and Tohannis Vro-
Apr. 13. J
bert who say they were taken prisoners at the Surrender of
Burgoyne, John Carrigill and James Davidson Deserters
from the Continental Army and Peter Laraway and Luke
Dewitt Inhabitants of this County and they being severally
brought before us and examined resolved that they be com
mitted except John Carrigill who producing a Furlough
from Cap- Jansen of Col- Van Schaick's Regiment was dis
charged ordered that a Mittimus be made out for them —
Samuel Stringer Esq- laid before the Board an Extract of a
Letter from the Honorable Major General Heath setting forth
that two Men have lately leftNew York with Dispatches for Can
ada and containing a Description of their Persons and Dress. —
Resolved in Consequence of the same that Letters be
wrote to Col1 Abraham Wempell at Schenectady, Major
Ezekiel Taylor at Stillwater and to the Commanding Officer
at Saragtoga informing them of the same and requesting them
to use every possible Means to apprehend those Persons. —
[389] Abel Bacon who was on the 10- Instant confined
on Suspicion of his being a spy from the Enemy was brought
before the Board and it appearing to us from sundry Cir
cumstances that the said Bacon is no other than one of those
infatuated People denominated Shaking Quakers and that
he was on his way to Nistageune therefore resolved that the
said Abel Bacon be discharged and be ordered not to frequent
those parts in future on any Pretence whatever unless he is
furnished with proper Credentials of his attachment to the
American Cause. —
Adjourned. —
1781 Met Albany 14^ April 1781
Apr. 14. Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j ( Stewart Dean
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 68 1
The Board having received Information that there is at AI78x
present in Town a person who passes by the Name of Henry
Thiell who is endeavouring to depreciate the Money emitted
agreeable to a Resolution of Congress of the 18— day of
March 1780 by exchanging three pounds of the said Money
for one Pound in Specie and it appearing from other Cir
cumstances and also from the Examinations of John Lansing
Jun- Esq- , John H. Wendell Esq- and James Dennison that
the said Henry Thiell is a Suspicious person therefore re
solved that he be sent for and examined —
The above mentioned Henry Thiell appearing & being
examined says he is lately from Philadelphia and that he
came to this place to settle his private Business —
Resolved on Considering the above that the said Henry
[390] Thiell enter into a Recognizance to appear before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called
upon and that he do not depart beyond the Limits of this
City without Leave previously obtained from this Board —
Henry Thiell of Philadelphia in the State
of Pensylvania Blacksmith in £s°°
Hugh Dennison of the City of Albany Inn-
holder his Bail in £500
Adjourned —
Met Albany i<^ April 1781 J78i
Present Apr' '5'
John M. Beeckman [ ( Stewart Dean
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Samuel Stringer
Lieu- Col- Barent Staats appeared before the Board
and informed us that there is at present at the House of
James Watson living on the Road to Coyemans a Person who
appears very Suspicious who has been there four or five days
that he supposes the said person is a Spy from the Enemy—
682 State of New York
1781 Resolved in Consequence of the said Information that
Lieu- Coenrad Gansevoort be requested to take three or four
Men of Col? Cuyler's Regiment and endeavour to apprehend
the said Person
Adjourned —
X?8J6 Met Albany 16$ April 1781 — -
[Present]
John M. Beeckman ) j Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stewart Dean
Lieu- Gansevoort who at the Request of this Board went
with a Party of Men to apprehend the Person Yesterday
described by Col- Staats appearing informed us that having
[391] last Night apprehended the said Person and brought
him to Town for the Purpose of confining him the said
Person had made his Escape —
Resolved thereupon that a Letter be wrote to Cap^ Van
Wie to request him With a Party of his Company to en
deavour if possible to apprehend him -
A Letter from Zepheniah Batchelor Esq^ was laid before
the Board dated the 14— Instant wherein he informs us that
William Laird and Df Tice are still in the Neighbourhood
of Johnstown and recommending it to have them apprehended
and we having good Reason to think that they intend to go
and join the Enemy this Spring resolved therefore that a War
rant be made out for the Apprehension of the said William
Laird and Df Tice & that the same be forwarded to the
said Zepheniah Batchelor in order that it may be served —
Mathew Visscher Esq? laid before the Board a Letter from
William Whiting Esq- dated at Great Barrington the 5- Instant
which is in the words following (to wit) (see Letter on File)
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 683
Met Albany i?^1 April 1781 — . 1781
r» APr- J
Present
John M. Beeckman [ ( Stewart Dean
Samuel Stringer ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Major Reed laid before the Board a Letter from the
Honorable Brigadier General James Clinton wherein the
General requests that Df George Smith may have Liberty
to remove with his Family and Effects to the New City
and that he be under the same Restrictions he is now under
until he is exchanged resolved that the same be taken into
Consideration —
[392] Serjeant Soal appeared before the Board & informed
us that he had apprehended Thomas Gleason the Person who
Yesterday made his Escape from Lieu- Gansevoort and the
said Thomas Gleason being brought in and examined resolved
that he be confined and that a Mittimus be made out for him —
It appearing from the Examination of the above mentioned
Gleason and from sundry other Circumstances that James
Watson who was confined for harbouring the said Gleason
was no way concerned or privy to any Part of the Conduct
of the said Gleason but as the said James Watson has always
sustained the Character of a disaffected Person therefore
resolved that previous to his Discharge he enter into Recogni
zance for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required for and during the Continuance
of the present war with Great Britain —
James Watson of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Innkeeper in. . . £100
Volkert A. Douw of the City of Albany Gentle
man his Bail in £100
Adjourned -
684 State of New York
1781 Met Albany 18* April 1781
Apr' l8' Present
John M. Beeckman ) \ Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Stewart Dean
Two Affidavits of Carrel Nier and Jacob Nier taken
before the said Johannis Van Deusen Esq- were laid before
the Board which Affidavits set forth that they the said Carrel
Neir and Jacob Neir having apprehended Harmen [393]
Haver by virtue of a warrant from this Board and being on
their way With him to Albany that Hendrick Platner and
Jacob Platner of Claverack did advise the said Harmen
Haver to make his Escape and that they called the said
Haver out of the House in order the better to enable him to do
it resolved in Consequence of the said Affidavits that an
Order be made out to the said Hendrick and Jacob Platner
forthwith to deliver up to this Board the said Harmen Haver —
Resolved that Hendrick Knieskern be discharged from
Confinement on entering into Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon
for and during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain
Hendrick Knieskern of Schohary in the
County of Albany Farmer in £100
William Knieskern of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
A Letter from Johannis Van Dusen and Lowrence Fonda
Esq- Justices of the Peace dated at Claverack the 15^
Instant was laid before the Board wherein they inform us that
they send to us the Examinations of several disaffected
Persons and two Men as Prisoners named Teunis Reipen-
bergh and Jacob M. Hoogteling who they suspect have been
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 685
concerned in the Robbery committed on Cap- Casparus ATr78*a
Conyne resolved that the said Teunis Reipenbergh & Jacob
M. Hoogteling be confined and that a Mittimus be made out
for them —
Resolved that James Watson Jun- be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behav
iour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the [394]
Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon during the
Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
James Watson Jun- of the West District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Labourer in. £100
Barent I. Staats of the same place Esq?
his Bail in £100
Adjourned
Met Albany 19^ April 1781 — A^IQ
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda i ( Stewart Dean
Jacob Saltsbergh who last Fall came with Sir John
Johnson and was at the destruction of Schohary was brought
before the Board and Examined his examination is as follows
(to wit) (see Examination on File) ordered that he be
recommitted —
Samuel Stringer Esq- laid before the Board an Examina
tion of George Boarck taken by Hezekiah Van Orden Esq-
from which it appears that Abraham Person Junr and
Abraham Dewit intend to go off and join the Enemy when
ever a fit Oppertunity shall present resolved in Consequence
of the same that a Letter be wrote to Lieu- Teunis Van
Wagenon at Cats Kill to request him to have the said Abra
ham Person Jun- and Abraham DeWit apprehended and
forthwith sent to us —
686 State of New York
1781 Information having been received that a certain John Cole
APf* I9* - r AT X7 1 1 - 'IT-
is lately come from New York and is at present in the Last
Camp resolved in Consequence of the said Information
that a Letter be wrote to Cap- Tiel Rockefeller requesting
him [395] to apprehend the said John Cole and forthwith
bring him before us
Resolved that a Letter be wrote to William Whiting Esq^
at Great Barrington inclosing a Description of a certain
William Scott who frequently goes to New York and returns
with false Continental Money and requesting him to have
the said William Scot apprehended which Letter is in the
words following (to wit) (see Copy Letter on File) —
Adjourned
I78l Met Albany 20- April 1781
Apr. 20. Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stewart Dean
Benjamin Randell and Stephen Randell appeared before
the Board and informed us that Jacob Best of Hosick has
harboured and secreted in his House John Ruyter formerly
an Inhabitant of Hosick who at the Time he was so secreted
by the said Jacob Best was a Captain in the British Service
which Charge they say can be plainly and Satisfactorily
proved by Peter Crandell and Hugh Baily —
And the said Benjamin Randell and Stephen Randell
further inform that John Babcock Joseph Allport and
Dennis Dun are disaffected Persons and that they have
drank the Kings Health and that Jacob Lantman also is a
dangerous and disaffected Person who in the Year 1777
when General Burgoyne came down did assist in murdering
some men who had been driving Cattle to General Gates' s
Army and that Stephen Card has advised many Persons to
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 687
accept of Sir Henry Clinton's Proclamations telling them it Al7Sl
contained Offers of [396] Peace and that it would be the last
Time that any would be made and that Elisha Runnels &
Thomas Stephens were present when the said Stephen Card
made use of those Expressions -
Resolved in Consequence of the above Information that
a Warrant be made out for the immediate apprehension of the
said John Babcock, Dennis Dun, Stephen Card andjacob
Lantman and that the same be directed to Jacob Kidney
Constable —
Thomas Gleason who was the other day committed to Goal
requested to be brought before the Board in order to give
some Information respecting William Hartley & he being
brought in and Examined says that a certain Man of the
Name of Butler has brought a Letter to the said Hartley &
that the said Hartley was to write an answer which said
Butler was to call for — Ordered that the said Thomas
Gleason be recommitted -
Adjourned —
Met Albany 21^ April 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Stewart Dean
Jacob Kidney appeared before the Board & informed us
that he had apprehended Jacob Lantman, John Babcock,
Dennis Dun and Stephen Card and they being severally
examined and denying the Charge alledged against them
and offering to disprove the same resolved therefore that
they be severally bound by Recognizance to appear before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies [397] at
the City Hall in this [City] on Wednesday next and that in the
mean Time they be of the good Behaviour -
688 State of New York
1781 Jacob Lantman of Hosick in the County of
Apr. 21. J
Albany Farmer in £100
Michael Lantman of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
John Babcock of Hosick in the County of
Albany Farmer in £100
Michael Lantman of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Dennis Dun of Hosick in the County of
Albany Farmer in £100
Johannis Duet of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Stephen Card of Hosick in the County of
Albany Farmer in £100
Daniel Kyneir of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Resolved in Consequence of the Information Yesterday
given by Benjamin Randell and Stephen Randell that a
warrant be made out for the Apprehension of Jacob Best
and Joseph Allport of Hosick District and that the same be
delivered to the said Benjamin Randell in Order to have it
served —
Samuel Stringer Esq- informed the Board that he had
advanced to Peter Seeger Eight New Emission Dollars for
the Purpose of apprehending Joseph Bettis ordered that he be
credited for the same — l
Resolved that Peter Crandell, Hugh Baily, John Ryley,
Oliver Bartley, Elisha Reynolds, Thomas Stephens, and
» Included in Stringer's sworn statement, October 21, 1784, in Revolutionary
Manuscripts, vol. 40, p. 160, vState Comptroller's office.
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 689
Samuel Shaw be cited to appear before this Board on Wednes- AI7Sl
day next in order to support the Charges before us exhibited
by Benjamin Randell and Stephen Randell against the said
Jacob Lantman, John Babcock, Dennis Dun, Stephen
Card, Jacob Best and Joseph Allport —
Thomas Butler of Hosick District having been [398]
apprehended on the Information Yesterday given to this
Board by Thomas Gleason and being Examined as to the
same positively denies the Charge but as there is great
Reason to imagin from the Character of disaffection hitherto
sustained by the said Thomas Butler that what has been
alledged against him is true therefore resolved that he be
confined and that a Mittimus be made out for him —
Harmen Haver who the Board were on the 18- Instant
Informed had made his Escape from the Guard who had
apprehended him appeared this day and surrendered him
self up to us and produced Certificates of several of the
Officers of the Regiment to which he belongs of his having
behaved himself as a peaceable and quiet Inhabitant &
that he has ever done his duty as a good Subject of the
State resolved in Consequence of the said Recommenda
tions that the said Harmen Haver be discharged until the
further order of this Board —
Adjourned -
Met Albany 23? April 1781 -
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j ( Stewart Dean
Cap* Benjamin Du Bois appeared before the Board and
informed us that he had agreeable to our warrant appre
hended Luke De Wit and the said Luke De Wit being pro-
690 State of New York
duced and examined acknowledges that he drank King
George's Health
Resolved that he be Confined and that a Mittimus be
made out for him -
[399] A Number of Germans who belonged to Gen1-
Burgoyne's Army having been apprehended on account of
their Inimical Conduct and Conversation & being brought
before the Board and examined resolved that they be com
mitted until the further Order of this Board —
Adjourned
Ap?8*5. Met Albany 25^ April 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer j ( Stewart Dean
The German Prisoners who were examined on the 23?
Instant being again Brought before the Board & it appear
ing that some of them are Deserters and that others are
Prisoners of War resolved therefore that it be recommended
to the Honorable Brigadier General James Clinton that he
discharge such of the said Germans as are Deserters and
that he discharge also such of the said Prisoners of War as
are recommended by Persons who are well Attached to the
American Cause -
Adjourned -
178I Met Albany 26^ April 1781 -
Apr. 26. Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer j ( Stewart Dean
Peter Crandell appeared before the Board agreeable to our
order of the 21^ Instant and being examined under oath
says that Jacob Lantman last Summer when ordered out
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 691
with a Party of Militia to apprehend some Persons [400] AI?8l6
who were come from Canada said that he would not go
after such Persons and that he did not look upon them as
Enemies. Resolved In Consequence of the said Examina
tion, that the said Jacob Lantman, be bound by Recog
nizance, for his good Behaviour, doing his duty, and ap
pearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con
spiracies, when called upon during the Continuance of the
present war with Great Britain -
Jacob Lantman of Hosick in the Coufnjty of
Albany Farmer in £100
Michael Lantman of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Cap! Joshua Babcock appeared before the Board and
informed us that agreeable to our warrant he had appre
hended Jacob Best and the said Jacob Best being brought
before us and examined and it appearing from his Exami
nation that the charge alledged against him is well founded
therefore resolved that the said Jacob Best enter into a
Recognizance for his good behaviour and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the Continuance of the present
war with Great Britain and also for his appearance at the
Supream Court of Judicature now held at the City Hall in
this City to answer to such Matters as shall then and there
be alledged against him and not depart the Court without
Leave -
Jacob Best of Little Hosick in the County of
Albany Farmer in £100
Isaac Vosburgh of the west district of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Brick Maker his
Bail in £100
692 State of New York
I78i [4.01] John Babcock appeared before the Board & being
examined as to the Charge alleclged against him of drinking
the King's Health utterly denied the same and requested
that Jacob Best might be examined under Oath as to the
Truth of his Assertions and the said Jacob Best being
Examined says that he was present when John Allport
drank the king's Health in Babcock's presence and that the
said John Babcock instead of joining with the said Allport
reprimanded him for doing it resolved that the said John
Babcock attend at this Board to Morrow Morning —
Cap- John Ryley having been ordered to appear before
this Board to give Information respecting John Babcock
& others appeared and being examined says that last New
Years day he was at the House of the said Babcock and
that the said Babcock together with Dennis Dun, Jacob
Best, and John Allport did in his Hearing drink the king's
Health resolved that the said John Ryley be directed to
attend the Grand Jury in Order to give them the above
Information —
Thomas Butler who was the other day confined on the
Information of Thomas Gleason was brought before the
Board and nothing further appearing against him therefore
resolved that he be discharged on entering into a Recog
nizance with sufficient Sureties for his good Behaviour doing
his duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required for and during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Thomas Butler of Hosick in the County of
Albany Innkeeper in £100
Joshua Babcock of the same place Cord-
wainer his Bail in £100
John Randell of the same place Farmer also
his Bail in. . £100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 693
[402] Stephen Card appeared before the Board and laid
before us sundry Certificates of his Attachment to the
American Cause Resolved in Consequence of the said
Certificates that the said Stephen Card be discharged.
Adjourned
Met Albany 27^ April 1781 -
Present
John M. Beeckman ) | Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer j ( Stewart Dean
John Babcock appeared before the Board agreeable to
our order of Yesterday resolved that the said John Bab
cock enter into a Recognizance for his Appearance at the
Supream Court of Judicature at present held in the City
Hall of this City then and there to answer to such Matters
as shall be alledged against him and not to depart the Court
without leave —
John Babcock of Hosick in the County of
Albany Innkeeper in £100
Joshua Babcock of the same place Cord-
wainer his Bail in £100
Dennis Dun also appearing agreeable to our order
resolved that he enter into a Recognizance for his Appear
ance at the Supream Court of Judicature at present held
at the City Hall in this City to answer to such Matters a[s]
shall be then and there alledged against him and not to
depart the Court without Leave —
Dennis Dun of Hosick in the County of
Albany Farmer in £100
Michael Lantman of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
The Board having received Information that John An
drew of Newtown has this Morning acknowledged [403]
694 State of New York
1781 himself a King's Man resolved in consequence of the said
Information that the said John Andrew be forthwith appre
hended by Jacob Kidney and brought before us -
Thomas Butler who was Yesterday liberated from Con
finement appeared before the Board and produced two
Certificates the one signed by the Selectmen and several
Militia Officers of the Township of Worthington in the
County of Hampshire in the Commonwealth of Massa-
chuset's Bay setting forth that the said Thomas Butler has
from the Commencement of the present Contest behaved
himself as a Zealous and firm Friend to the American
Cause, the other signed by several Militia Officers & other
well affected Inhabitants of the District of Hosick and the
same being read and taken into Consideration resolved in
Consequence thereof that the said Thomas Butler be and
he is hereby discharged from the Recognizance entered into
by him before this Board on the 26^ Instant —
Jacob Kidney appeared with John Andrew whom agree
able to our order he had apprehended resolved that the said
John Andrew be committed and that a Mittimus be made
out for him —
Samuel Stringer Esq? informed the Board that he has
received Information that Simeon Smith of Pits Town Inn
keeper entertains disaffected Persons; drink's King George's
health and speaks disrespectfully of the Authority of this
State, resolved in Consequence of the said Information that a
warrant be made out directed to Lieutenant Jonathan Brown
forthwith to apprehend and bring before us the said Simeon
Smith —
Resolved that a Citation be sent to Jonathan Brown [404]
William M°Coy and Mary Sawyer to appear before the
Board forthwith to prove the Charges above alledged against
the said Simeon Smith.
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 695
Lieu- Jacob Plainer and Hendrick Platner appeared before AJr781
the Board and being questioned as to their advising Harmen
Haver to make his Escape from the Guard who had him in
Custody the said John Platner acknowledges he did Advise
Harmen Haver to go home and obtain a Certificate from his
Officers of his Conduct and then deliver himself up to the
Commissioners at Albany and the said Jacob Platner having
always sustained an Irreproachable Character and Hendrick
Platner appearing no way concerned in the affair therefore
resolved that the said Jacob Platner and Hendrick Platner be
discharged
Adjourned
Met Albany 30^ April 1781 — 1781
Present Apr" 3°'
John M Beeckman ) f Stewart Dean
Samuel Stringer J (
Berijah Tyler appeared before the Board and produced
a Letter signed by Stephen Salisbury and William Dawes
dated at Worcester in the State of Massachusetts Bay on the
25 Instant setting forth that Thomas Glason who was by
Our order apprehended and confined is of an infamous
Character and that he has lately enlisted for three Years to
serve in the Continental Army ordered that the same be filed —
Resolved in Consequence of the above Letter that an Order
be sent to James Watson to deliver up to Berijah Tyler the
Horse of the said Thomas Gleason by us Committed to his
Care [405] on the said Tyler's paying the Charges accrued
in keeping said Horse —
Resolved that Jacob Saltsbergh be discharged from Con
finement on his entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
696 State of New York
1781 required during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
Jacob Saltsbergh of the Bever Dam in the
County of Albany Farmer in £100
Jacob Cuyler of the City of Albany Mer
chant his Bail in £100
Whereas there are several Families remaining settled on
the North side of Hudsons River in and about Jessup's
Patent, who are all disaffected; and this Board conceiving
it highly improper they should be let to remain there —
Have resolved, that it is necessary, for the Safety of those
Frontiers, that all the said Families be ordered forthwith to
remove from thence with all their Effects down into the
Interior parts of the Country, without delay; and that all
Boats, Canoes, or other Conveniences, for the purpose of
Crossing the River, and which can be found on either side
of the same, be destroyed, and that all the Males of 16 Years
old and upwards, be ordered to appear before this Board on
or before the 20— day of May next at their peril —
And whereas this Board has received Information that
there are a Number of Tory Women (whose Husbands have
joined the Enemy) residing, and going from parts below to
reside, above Saragtoga which this Board from Manifest
Reasons disapprove of; therefore Resolved, that the said
Women be all brought down below Saragtoga and ordered
there to Remain as they will answer they [sic] Contrary at
their Peril; until they shall receive [406] further Instructions
from this Board or from some other proper Authority -
Resolved that Brigadier General Clinton be requested by
this Board, to issue an Order to the Officer commanding at
Saragtoga to have the above necessary Resolves executed;
and that a List of all such Persons as may be removed and
brought down as aforesaid be handed to this Board, with any
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 697
Information that may be collected and thought worthy of AxJ8l0
their Attention towards the wellfare of the State —
Adjourned —
Met Albany Is.1 May 1781-
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Stewart Dean
A Letter from the Commissioners for Conspiracies dated
at Schenectady the 26— April last was laid before the
Board which Letter is in the words following (to wit) (See
Letter on File) —
Andries Cogh, Andries Wolters, George Pattshold and
Johan Hendrick Zachariah Bause, German Prisoners of war
having been apprehended by order of General Clinton and
confined and the General being of Opinion that they may be
serviceable to the Country should they be admitted to Bail
resolved therefore that they be bound in Recognizance with
sufficient sureties for their good Behaviour and appearance
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the Continuance of the present
war with Great Britain —
[407] Andries Cogh of the Hellebergh in the
County of Albany in £100
Jacob Zimmer of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Andries Walters late of the Hellebergh in £100
Jacob Zimmer of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
George Paatshold late of the Hellebergh in. . £100
Jacob Zimmer of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
698 State of New York
1781 Johan Hendrick Zachariah Bause late of
the Hellebergh in £100
Johannis Casselman of the Bever Dam
Farmer his Bail in £100
Adjourned -
1781 Met Albany 2-d May 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman | j Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j ( Stewart Dean
General Clinton having recommended it to the Board to
discharge Christian Hartwick a German Prisoner of war on
Bail resolved in Consequence of the said Recommendation
that the said Christian Hartwick be discharged on his entering
into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the Continuance of the present war
with Great Britain —
Christian Hartwick late of the Hellebergh
Farmer in £100
Peter Cook of the City of Albany Merchant
his Bail in £100
M- Welsh whose Husband is at present with the Enemy
appeared before the Board and requested a Permit to go to
Canada resolved that the Secretary to this Board certify to
General Clinton that we have no Objection to M— Welsh's
going with the first Flag to her Husband -
Hugh M?Manus Constable of Tryon County [408] appeared
before the Board and informed us that agreeable to our war
rant he had apprehended Dr John Tice and the said Df Tice
being produced and examined resolved that the said Hugh
MfManus take him again into his Charge and have him
ready to produce to this Board when called upon -
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 699
Luke DeWit was brought before the Board and examined
Ordered that he be recommitted -
General Clinton having certified to this Board his Desire
that William Giffert a German Prisoner of war should be
admitted to Bail resolved that he be bound for his good
Behaviour and appearance before any three of the Commis
sioners for Conspiracies for and during the Continuance of
the present war with Great Britain —
William Giffert late of the Hellebergh
Farmer in £100
John Tillman Sen! of the Manor of Rens-
selaerwyck Innkeeper his Bail in £100
Peter Larawa being brought before the Board and ex
amined ordered that he be recommitted —
D* John Tice being again brought before the Board and
examined on Consideration of the Charge alledged against the
said Df Tice resolved that he enter into Recognizance with
Sufficient surety for his remaining within the Limits of this
City and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when called upon until discharged from the
said Recognizance by the said Commissioners —
John Tice of the State of Pensylvania Prac-
ti[ci]oner of Physick in £100
John Tillman of the Manor of Rensselaer-
wyck Innkeeper his Bail in £100
[409] Met Albany 3^ May 1781 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman | j Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j ( Stewart Dean
The Board having received Information that Joseph
Bettis keeps at present at the Hellebergh and other places
yoo State of New York
^'78r in that Neighbourhood and is collecting a party of Men to
go off to the Enemy —
Resolved in Consequence of the said Information that
Application be made to General [James Clinton] for a Party
of the Levies and to General Gansevoort for a Party of
Militia to go and apprehend the said Joseph Bettis with his
Party and also resolved that Abraham Outhout Esq- one of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies residing at Schenectady
at present in Town be sent for and made Acquainted with the
above Information and that he be also informed that this
Board conceive it necessary that a Party of Men should be
sent from Schenectady for the purpose of falling upon the
Rear of those Settlements —
Information being exhibited to this Board that a certain
John Wasbrook is at present on the East side of the River
that he is a Stranger and of a suspicious Character therefore
resolved that a Warrant be made out directed to Jacob Van
Alstyne authorizing him forthwith to apprehend and bring
before us the said John Wasbrook —
A Letter from Teunis Van Wagenen dated Cats Kill the
2^ Instant was laid before the Board informing that he sends
to us under Guard a certain Samuel Davidson who he had
caused to be apprehended as a dangerous Person and the said
Davidson being produced and Examined and it ap- [410]
pearing from his Examination that he is a Deserter from the
Line of the Pensylvania Army therefore resolved that he be
sent to General Clinton to be disposed as he may think proper —
Adjourned -
May 4. Met Albany 4^ May 1781 -
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda } 1 Stewart Dean
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 701
Resolved in Consequence of the plan Yesterday concluded I78i
upon for the Apprehension of Joseph Bettis with his Party
that a Letter be wrote to Col1- Anthony Van Bergen at Cook-
sakie to detach a Party of Men to Peesink for the purpose of
scouring the woods in that Quarter in Order that if Bettis
should endeavour to make his Escape that way that he may be
apprehended —
James Watson Jun- who on the 18- day of April last
entered into a Recognizance before this Board appeared
before us this day and informed us that he intends to go and
reside at Springfield in the State of Massachusetts Bay for the
Purpose of lear[n]ing the Tanners Trade and requested to
be discharged from his said Recognizance and the said Appli
cation being taken into Consideration resolved thereupon
that the said James Watson Jun- be and he is hereby dis
charged from the said Recognizance —
Lieu1- Jonathan Brown appeared before the Board and
informed us that agreeable to our warrant he had appre
hended Simeon Smith and that he had also agreeable to our
Directions summoned William M?Coy as an Evidence against
the said Simeon Smith ordered that the said William M^Coy
be examined —
[411] William M?Coy being Examined under Oath saith
as follows (to wit) (see Examination on File) —
Simeon Smith being brought before the Board and the
Charges above alledged against him being read to him and he
possitively denying the same and offering to prove himself
Innocent of the Crime alledged against him wherefore
resolved that the said Simeon Smith have Permission to return
Home on his entering into Recognizance for his good Be
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain
702 State of New York
and also for his appearing at the next Supream Court of
Judicature to be held for the State of New York at the City
Hall in this City on the last Tuesday in July next (or where
soever the said Court shall then be held in the State afore
said) to answer to such Matters as shall then and there be
alledged against him and not to depart the Court without
Leave —
Simeon Smith of Pitts Town in the County
of Albany Innkeeper in ................ £100
Archibald Campbell of the City of Albany
Merchant his Bail in ................... £100
Jonathan Brown and Seth Stalker being severally called
before the Board and Examined as to the Political Conduct of
Simeon Smith their Examinations are as follows (to wit)
(see Examinations on File) —
Mathew Visscher Esq- appeared before the Board and
informed us that he had received Information that a Number
of Negroes at Nistageune and the Bought intend shortly to
go off to Canada with Joseph Bettis resolved in Consequence
of the said Information that a Letter be wrote to Captain
Hendrick Ostram to have the following Negroes appre
hended (to wit) Jack the Negro Man of [412] Wilhelmas Van
Antwerp Esq- , Pomp the Negroe of NaningVischer, Jack the
Negroe of Bastian Cregier, and Jack the Negroe [of] Mar-
tinus Cregier, and that he keep them separately and bring
them before us at the City Hall in this City —
Resolved also that a Letter be wrote to Captain Levinus
Lansing to apprehend and bring before us the Negroe of
Cornelius Van Den Bergh named Sans, and the Negro of
Johannis Lansing named Tom and they also be brought
down separately —
A Party of Levies and of the Militia being now ready for
the Purpose of executing the Plan for Apprehending Joseph
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 703
Bettis with his Party resolved that Instructions be made out X78i
for the Officer commanding the said Party which Instruc
tions are in the following words (to wit) (see Draft Instruc
tions on File) —
A Letter from Major Popham Aid De Camp to Brigadier
General James Clinton was laid before the Board setting
forth that the General is willing that Hazelton Spencer should
be liberated from Confinement and have the Liberty of the
Town and be subject to such Restrictions as this Board may
think proper resolved that the Subject of the above Letter be
taken into Consideration untill to Morrow Morning —
Adjourned —
Met Albany & May 1781 — 1781
Present 75 7 7
John M. Beeckman ) ( Stewart Dean
Isaac D. Fonda j ( Samuel Stringer
The Board having taken into Consideration the Letter
Yesterday received from Major Popham respecting Hazelton
Spencer and Conceiving that there can be no Impropriety in
[413] liberating the said Hazelton Spencer from Confinement
therefore resolved that he be liberated accordingly on enter
ing into a Bond with a sufficient surety for his remaining
within the following Limits in the City of Albany, (to wit) to
the North to the Bridge at General Ten Broeck's to the west
to the Fort and to the south to the House at present occupied
by Thomas Lansing and for his not holding any Correspond
ence by word or deed upon Political Matters with any Person
or Persons who hold Principles Inimical to the Measures
pursued by the Congress of the United States of America
and that he shall appear before the Commissioners for Con
spiracies or either of them when required —
704 State of New York
1781 Hazelton Spencer in £500
Abraham Ja: Lansing of the East District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer his
Bail in £500
Cap- Hendrick Ostrom appeared hefore the Board and
informed that agreeable to our Request he had apprehended
the Negroes mentioned in our Letter of Yesterday and the said
Negroes being severally brought before the Board and Exam
ined and confessing their Intention of going off with Joseph
Bettis and Jack the Negroe of Wilhelmas Van Antwerp and
Pomp the Negroe of Naning Visscher appearing to be princi
pally concerned in the above Schem[e] therefore resolved that
they be committed and that a Mittimus be made out for them —
Henry Simpson appeared before the Board and informed
that the Party of Men who Yesterday went in Search of Joseph
Bettis had apprehended a Certain Daniel Sherwood and that
he had become Surety to the Officer commanding the said
Party to deliver up the said Sherwood to this Board and
that the said Daniel [414] Sherwood being Examined and pro
ducing Vouchers of his having been enlisted last Summer in
the Nine Months Service and of his Attachment to the
American Cause therefore resolved that he be discharged —
Harmanus Cuyler of Cooksakie laid before the Board a
Letter from Teunis Van Wagenon dated Cats Kill 4t-h In
stant wherein he informs us that he sends to us Wessel Van
Dyck as a Prisoner on Account of his being concerned in
carrying Off David Abeel and his son and that he will send
up the Proof against him as soon as possible which Letter
being read ordered that the same be filed -
Resolved in Consequence of the above Letter that the said
Wessel Van Dyck be confined and that a Mittimus be made
out for him -
Adjourned -
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 705
Met Albany 7^ May 1781 — J78i
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j ( Stewart Dean
A Letter from Cap- Cornelius J. Jansen dated at Saragtoga
the 6- Instant was laid before the Board setting forth that
one of his Scouts had apprehended at Jessup's Patent a
certain Stephen Fairchilds and the said Fairchilds being
Examined and not being able to give a satisfactory Account
of himself resolved that he be committed and that a Mittimus
be made out for him —
A Letter was also laid before the Board from Teunis Van
Wagenen dated atCatts Kill the 6- Instant wherein [415] he
informs us that he sends to us under Guard Abraham Dewitt
and Abraham Person Jun- who have been apprehended
agreeable to a warrant issued by this Board and that he also
sends John Person who is a dangerous and disaffected Person
resolved that they be severally examined & that a Mittimus
be made out for them —
Pomp the Negro Man of Naning Vischer being at the Re
quest of his Master again brought before the Board and Exam
ined and it appearing that he is possessed of no other Informa
tion than what he has already mentioned therefore resolved that
at the Request of his said Master that he be discharged —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 8th May 1781 — 178-
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j ( Stewart Dean —
Jack the Negro Man of Wilhelmas Van Antwerp being
again brought before the Board was examined and it appear-
706 State of New York
ing that his former Examination contains all the Information
which he is able to give and he offering to give Information of
Joseph Bettis or any other Person that may in future ask him
to go to Canada resolved therefore that he be discharged
from Confinement —
Peter Larawa was brought before the Board for the Pur
pose of being examined and the said Larawa appearing un
willing to give a Candid Confession with Respect to the
Conduct of the disaffected Inhabitants at Peesink therefore
resolved that he be recommitted
Adjourned —
Mxa7y8l9. [416] Met Albany 9<* May 1781 -
Present
John M. Beeckman } f Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda { ( Stewart Dean
Information was exhibited to the Board that a certain
David Waters an Inhabitant of this City has offered to Ex
change the Money lately emitted by the Authority of Con
gress for Hard Money at the Rate of three for one and it
appearing highly probable that the said David Waters does
it with no other View than to depreciate the Money as he
has been always esteemed a disaffected Person it is therefore
resolved that a warrant be made out directed to Jacob Kid
ney forthwith to apprehend and bring before us the said
David Waters resolved also that John Shepherd and Henry
Hart be cited forthwith to appear before this Board to prove
the Charges as above alledged against the said Waters —
Jacob Kidney appeared and informed that agreeable to
our Order he had apprehended David Waters and the said
Waters being produced and acknowledging the same and at
the same Time confessing also that he did say that if the
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 707
Commissioners should confine him for his Conduct that he
would after being released go to the Enemy at New York
resolved therefore that he be confined and that a Mittimus
be made out for him —
John Shepherd and Henry Hart appearing and being
severally examined say as follows (to wit) (see their Ex
aminations on File)
The Board being also informed by William Dewit that
Mf Fomfried the French Merchant has also asked more in
New Money for his Tea than the Current Exchange re
solved that he be sent for to answer the above —
[417] MT Fomfried appearing and being made acquainted
with the above Charge and he positively denying the same
resolved that he be discharged and cautioned against de
preciating the New Money at his Peril —
Adjourned -
Met Albany 12^ May 1781 - 1781
Present Ma? "•
John M. Beeckman ) ( c , c .
^ 1 Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j (
Hugh M?Manus Constable for Tryon County appeared
before the Board and informed us that agreeable to a war
rant issued by this Board for William Laird he had appre
hended the said Laird & the said Laird being Examined
and it appearing from his own Examination and also from
a Letter to this Board from Zepheniah Batchelor Esq- that
the said William Laird in [sic] enlisted in the Nine Month's
Service and he offering faithfully to do his duty in future
resolved therefore that the same be taken into Consideration
untill this Afternoon -
The Board being informed that there is at present in
yo8 State of New York
1781 Town a certain Isaac Larawa an Inhabitant of the Helle-
bergh who may if examined give some Material Informa
tion respecting several Persons in that Quarter it is there
fore resolved that Jacob Kidney be ordered to have the said
Isaac Larawa before the Board this Afternoon —
Lieutenant Seth Perry appeared before the Board and
informed us that he had apprehended a Man on Suspicion
and the said Person being produced and Examined says
that his Name is Christian Smith that he is a Soldier in
the Continental Army [418] in Col1. Van Schaick's Regi
ment that he deserted about two Month's ago at Livingston's
Manor to which he was advised by a certain Smith an In
habitant of that place that whilst at Livingston's Manor he
was advised by Jurie Wheeler to go to New York and then
enlist in the Enemies Service and the said Examination
being committed to writing ordered that the said Christian
Smith be delivered over to Major John Graham —
The Board having taken in Consideration the Case of
William Laird resolved that he be discharged with paying
to the Constable the Costs accrued by his Apprehension —
Jacob Kidney agreeable to order attending with Isaac
Larawa and the said Larawa being examined resolved that
he be discharged —
A Certificate signed by sundry of the well affected Inhabi
tants of Arlington in the County of Charlotte was laid be
fore the Board from which it appears that Stephen Fair-
childs who was the other day taken at Jessup's Patent and
sent down by Cap- Jansen has from the Commencement of
the present Contest been esteemed a Friend to the American
Cause resolved in Consequence of the said Certificate that
the said Stephen Fairchilds be discharged on entering into
a Recognizance for his future good Behaviour doing his
duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 709
12.
for Conspiracies when called upon during the Continuance 1781
of the present war with Great Britain -
Stephen Fairchilds of Arlington in the County
of Charlotte Farmer in £100
Joseph Hall of the City of Albany Silversmith
his Bail in £100
It appearing from sundry Circumstances [419] that
George Sittamon of the Hellebergh is a disaffected Person
and that he entertains Persons who to screen themselves
from Justice are lurking in the Country it is therefore Re
solved that an Order be sent to the said George Sittamon
forthwith to appear before this Board with a good sufficient
Bail to enter into Recognizance for his good Behaviour and
appearance when called upon and that the same be delivered
him by Isaac Larawa —
Adjourned —
Met Albany i^h May 1781 — 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda J ( Stewart Dean
A Recommendation in Favor of Marcy French wife of
Charity French who is at present with the Enemy signed
by Isaac Sawyer, Benjamin Hicks, and other Zealous Friends
to the American Cause was laid before the Board setting
forth that the said Mar[c]y French has by John J- Bleecker
Esq- been warned agreeable to the Directions of an "Act
entitled "An Act for the Removal of the Families of Per
sons who have joined the Enemy" to depart this State or
remove to such parts of it as are in the Power of the Enemy
and recommending the said Marcy French as a person of
an unexceptional Character and that they do not think that
710 State of New York
I78i her remaining at her present Habitation will not in any way
injure the Liberties and Independance of this and the
United States resolved in Consequence of the said Recom
mendation that a Permit be granted to the said Marcy
French for the Purpose above Mentioned —
[420] David King having been apprehendfed] as a Per
son of a Suspicious Character was brought before the Board
and examined and it appearing that he is a Deserter from
Col- Van Schaick's Regiment of Continental Forces re
solved thereupon that he be delivered over to Major John
Graham -
Adjourned —
Met Albany 15* May 178! -
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j ( Stewart Dean
Information having been given to this Board that there
are at present in the East District of the Manor of Rensselar-
wyck two German Prisoners of war named Andries Her-
nockle, and Christopher Whiting who daily by their Con
duct and Conversation give Offence to the Friends of the
American Cause therefore resolved that a Letter be wrote
to Cap- Jacob De Forest requesting him forthwith to appre
hend and bring before us the said Andries Hernockle &
Christopher Whiting -
Francis Utt formerly an Inhabitant of Tryon County
appeared before the Board agreeable to our Order and
being examined as to the Character and Conduct of D; John
Tice says that Tice last Fall informed him that Sir John
would come down and advised the said Francis Utt to take
Protection under him and at the same Time also informed
him that he knew a great Deal but could not divulge it
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 71 1
because he was sworn — Resolved in Consequence of the 1781
said Information that the said John Tice be committed and
that a Letter be wrote to Major Graham to request him
[421] when he goes down with the Prisoners of war to West
Point to take with him also the said Tice and from thence
send him by the first Party that goes to Philadelphia to his
Family and caution him not again to be Seen in this State
during the present Contest.
William Wederwax having been apprehended & confined
on Suspicion of his being concerned in the Robberies lately
Committed at Claverack and it appearing that the Sus
picion was ill founded and he being a Continental Soldier
belonging to Coll: Van Schaick's Reg- therefore Resolved
that he be delivered over to Major Graham —
Peter Davis having been confined for stealing two Pub-
lick Horses and having taken a Bounty from a Class and
therewith paid for the Horses resolved that he also be de
livered over to Major Graham —
Thomas Orton and Gideon Orton appeared before the
Board and informed that they had agreeable to the Reso
lutions of this Board been removed with their Families
from Jessups Patent and that being hurried away they had
been obliged to leave great Part of their Effects behind and
requested Permission for themselves and the other Persons
whose Families were removed to go and fetch the Remain
der of their Effects resolved that they have Permission
granted them accordingly and that in ten days they all of
them appear before this Board -
On Application of John Hodkison resolved that he have
Permission granted him to go and work at TunniclifFs Farm
with Anthony Waine and that he every Evening make his
Appearance before one of the Members of this Board
Adjourned —
7I2
State of New York
MI78l6 [422] Met Albany i6th May 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Stewart Dean j ( Samuel Stringer
Resolved that Constant King be liberated from Confine
ment on entering into Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Commis
sioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the
Continuance of the present war with Great Britain and also
for his appearing at the next Supream Court of Judicature
to be held for the State of New York at the City Hall in the
City of Albany on the last Tuesday in July next (or whereso
ever the said Court shall then be held in the State aforesaid)
and not to depart the Court without Leave -
Constant King of White Creek in the County
of Albany Cordwainer in £100
John Fisher of Cambridge in the County
aforesaid Millwright in £100
Archibald M?Neal appearing before the Board agreeable to
our Order and he requesting Permission to remain on his
Farm in the Scotch Patent and the said Request being taken
into Consideration Resolved thereupon that if the said
Archibald M?Neal take the Oath of Allegiance to this State
that Permission will be granted him Accordingly —
The Board having tendered the Oath of Allegiance to
Archibald MfNeal and he refusing to take the same and
declaring at the same Time his Intention of Not taking up
Arms in Defence of the American Cause therefore resolved
that he be confined & that a Mittimus be made out for him -
[423] Duncan MfArthur also of the Scotch Patent being
questioned as to his Political Principles and declaring his
Intention of not taking up Arms in defence of the Country and
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 713
acknowledging at the same time that he was sworn for the 1781
King when Burgoyne came down therefore resolved that he
also be confined and that a Mittimus be made out for him -
Lieu- Col- Henry K. Van Rensselaer appeared before the
Board and informed us that Thomas Blewer who is at present
under a Recognizance to this Board has refused to do his duty
and has made use of Expressions which Evidently denotes his
disaffection to the American Cause it is therefore Resolved
that he be ordered to attend this Board on Saturday the 19-
day of May Instant —
Adjourned —
Met Albany ifh May 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman | j Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda J ( Stewart Dean
On Application of John T. Fisher resolved that Abraham
Person Junior be liberated from Confinement on his entering
into a Recognizance with the said John T. Vischer his Surety
for his Remaining within the Limits of the City of Albany and
not departing the same Unless he previously obtains Per
mission from this Board and that he be of the good Be
haviour until discharged by this Board —
Abraham Person JunT of the Groote Imboght
District in the County of Albany Farmer in. £100
John T. Fischer of the City of Albany Yeo
man his Bail in £100
Resolved that Major Graham who takes with [424] him
to west point a Number of Continental Prisoners be re
quested also to take with him Thomas Gleason and deliver
him to some Officer of the Line of the Troops of the Massa-
chu[set]ts Bay —
Adjourned —
7 1 4 State of New York
1781 Met Albany 18^? May 1781
May'8' Present *
John M. Beeckman ) f T
•L , 0 . 1 Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel btnnger J (
Samuel Stringer
Resolved that Samuel Baker be liberated from Confine
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Commis
sioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required for and dur
ing the Continuance of the present War with Great Britain —
Samuel Baker of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Weaver in £100
Henry K. Van Rensselaer of the same place
Esq^ his Bail in £100
The Board being informed that William Jackson of New
Scotland and his wife are able to give some very material
Information respecting sundry Transactions in that Quarter
it is therefore resolved that the said William Jackson and
his wife be ordered forthwith to attend this Board —
Adjourned
1781 Met Albany 22^ May 1781 —
May 22« Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Stewart Dean
Samuel Stringer j ( Isaac D. Fonda
William Jackson of New Scotland having been cited [425]
together with his wife to appear before the Board appeared
and the said M" Jackson being Examined under Oath says
that she was informed by a man on the Road near Slinger-
landt's Mill that there was a Party of the Militia coming to
New Scotland that the Man was an utter Stranger to her
having never seen him before ordered that she appear again
before the Board this Afternoon — •
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 715
It appearing from the Description given by M- Jackson
of the Man who met her on the Road and who informed her
of the Militia coming to New Scotland that the said Person is
a Servant Man at present in the Service of Major Reed there
fore Resolved that Jacob Kidney be ordered to bring the said
Person forthwith before the Board —
James Parke a Prisoner of War at present in Confine
ment made Application to the Board to be released from
Confinement in Order that he may have it in his Power to
provide for the Subsistanance [sic] of a wife and four helpless
Children who are destitute of the Common Necessaries of
Life and the said Request being taken into Consideration
resolved thereupon that the said James Parke be released
accordingly on William M?Loughlins entering into a Recog
nizance for his remaining within the Limits of the City of
Albany and surrendering himself every evening a Prisoner to
the Goaler of the City and County for the Time being and
also for his appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required and for his good
Behaviour during that Time —
William MfLoughlin of the City of Albany
Innkeeper as Bail for James Parke in.. . . [
George Scharp of the East District of the Manor of Rensse-
[426] laerwyck appeared before the Board and informed us
that at the Request of Cap- Jacob De Forest he had taken
into his Charge Christopher Witting and that he has him here
ready to produce to the Board. —
The said Christopher Witting being produced and ex
amined as to the Charge alledged against him which he
utterly denying and it appearing however necessary that he
should be laid under Restrictions therefore resolved that he be
bound by Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing his duty
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
yi6 State of New York
1781 Conspiracies when thereunto required during the Con
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain -
Christopher Witting of the East District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck School Mas
ter in £100
George Scharp of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Jacob Kidney appearing with Major Ried's Servant
Man who being Examined says the Evening on which it
was supposed he gave Intelligence of the Militia going
to New Scotland he was by Major Ried sent to Town
which he offering to swear resolved therefore that he be
discharged —
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 24th May 1781 —
24- Present
John M. Beeckman ) I ^wzn Dean
Samuel Stringer j (
Andries Hernockle appeared before the Board and in
formed us that being apprized of the orders sent by us to
Cap- Jacob De Forest to apprehend him he had voluntarily
come to surrender himself to us and the said Andries Her
nockle being made [427] acquainted with the Crime alledged
against him denied the same The Board however Conceiving
it necessary that the said Hernockle should be laid under
Restrictions --Therefore resolved that the said Andries
Hernockle enter into Recognizance with a sufficient surety
for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there
unto required for and during the Continuance of the present
War with Great Britain —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 717
Andries Hernockle of the East District of 1781
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. . £100
Johan George Warner of the same Farmer his
Bail in £100
Adjourned —
Met Albany 25th May 1781 - M^8i
Present
Samuel Stringer ) ( John M Beeckman
Isaac D. Fonda ) (
Lambert Starnbergh, Hendrick Haynes Jun-, Dirck Miller,
and John Schuyler having been apprehended and sent to us
as Prisoners in Consequence of the Information exhibited
against them by Rachel Youngs, Jacob Knieskern and
Christina Enders and being severally Examined as to the
Charges alledged against them — resolved that the same be
taken into Consideration until to Morrow and that the said
Lambert Starnbergh, Hendrick Haynes Jun- Dirck Miller &
John Schuyler enter into a Recognizance for their Appearance
before this Board to Morrow at ten of the Clock in the Fore
noon and that they be of the good Behaviour during that Time
Lambert Starnbergh of Schoharie Labourer
in £100
Archibald Campbell of the City of Albany
Merchant his Bail in £100
[428] Hendrick Haynes Jun- of Thurlough
Labourer in £100
Hendrick Haynes SenT of the same place
Farmer his Bail in £100
Dirck Miller of Duanesburgh Farmer in .... £100
Archibald Campbell of the City of Albany
Merchant his Bail in £100
yi8 State of New York
1781 John Schuylerof Schoharie Farmer in £100
Peter Man Jun- of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Adjourned —
Met Albany 26th May 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j (. Stewart Dean
The Board having resumed the Consideration of the
Charges alledged against Lambert Starnbergh, Hendrick
Haynes Junf, Dirck Miller, and John Schuyler and judg
ing the same not of sufficient weight to justify their Im
prisonment but at the same Time conceiving it necessary
that they should be bound by Recognizance for their future
good Conduct therefore resolved that they be severally
bound accordingly for their good Behaviour doing their
duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies whenever thereunto required during the
Continuance of the present War with Great Britain -
John Schuyler of Schohary Farmer in £100
Peter Man of the same place Farmer his Bail
in £100
Dirck Miller of Duanesburgh Farmer in. . . £100
Nicholas Starnbergh of Schohary Farmer his
Bail in £100
Lambert Starnbergh of Schohary Farmer in. £100
Nicholas Starnbergh of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Resolved also that the said Lambert Starnbergh and [429]
Dirck Miller take the following Oath (to wit) "That they
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 719
will behave as true and faithful Subjects of the State of
May 26.
New York and endeavor to support it as a True and Inde-
pendant State, and that they will make known to this Board
of Commissioners for detecting all Conspiracies that may
be formed in this State any Plots or any thing that may come
to their knowledge that is inimical or unfriendly to this or
any of the United States of America or the aiding, or assist
ing, or the Secreting, harbouring, or Comforting any of
their Enemies by any one or any of the disaffected who
may be going off to them"
Resolved that as Hendrick Haynes Jun- is already under
Recognizance for his good Conduct and appearance when
called upon that he therefore be discharged —
The Board being informed that the Conduct of Duncan
M^Arthur notwithstanding his Character as a disaffected
Person has always been enexceptionable therefore resolved
that he be discharged from Confinement and permitted to
go and reside at his former place of abode in the Township
of Argyle in Charlotte County —
Resolved that Archibald M'Neal be discharged from Con
finement on his Entering into Recognizance with a suffi
cient surety for his remaining within the Limits of the City
of Albany and appearing before this Board on Monday
next-
Archibald M?Neal of the Township of Argyle
in the County of Charlotte Farmer in £100
Evens Umphrey of Schatikook District
Farmer his Bail in £100
Resolved that Wessel Van Dyck be discharged on enter
ing into a Recognizance for his future good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required dur
ing the Continuance of the present War with Great Britain -
720 State of New York
[43°] Wessel Van Dyck of Cater's Kill in the
County of Albany Farmer in £100
David Van Dyck of Niscuthaw in the County
aforesaid Farmer his Bail in £100
Resolved that Abraham Person Jun- be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his future
good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there
unto required during the Continuance of the present war
with Great Britain —
Abraham Person Jun- of the Great Imbought
Farmer in £100
John T. Visscher of the City of Albany Yeo
man his Bail in £100
Adjourned —
Met Albany 28^ May 1781 —
28. r> J '
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( c T^
•L . n . •< Stewart Dean
bamuel btnnger J (
Whereas this Board from sundry concurring Circum
stances has great reason to think that Doctor George Smith
and his son Terence Smith are Persons whose going at large
at this Time may prove detrimental to the Safety of the
State therefore resolved that Jacob Kidney be ordered to
apprehend the said George Smith and Terence Smith and
bring them forthwith before us —
Resolved that Abraham Dewit be discharged from Con
finement on Zachariah Snyder of the Great Imboght Dis
trict entering into Recognizance for the good Behaviour of
the said Abraham De Witt for his doing his duty and ap
pearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con-
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 721
spiracles when thereunto required during the Continuance T78i
[431] of the present War with Great Britain —
Zachariah Snyder of the Great Imboght Dis
trict in the County of Albany Farmer as
Bail for Abraham De Witt in £100
William Swain of the County of Charlotte having en
tered into Bond for his appearance before this Board ap
peared and being Examined confesses that he did enter
tain in his House a certain Samuel Wallace who told him
that he intended to go to the Enemy and that he did at
another time also entertain in his House two Men who said
they were going to the Enemy resolved that the said
William Swain be confined and that a Mittimus be made
out for him —
Jacob Kidney appeared before the Board and informed
us that he has apprehended Terence Smith but that Doctor
Smith was not to be found whereupon resolved that the
said Terence Smith be confined and that a Mittimus be
made out for him —
As those Persons who were removed from Jessup's Patent
and who had our Permission to return and bring from
thence the Remainder of their Effects within ten day's
which is now past and as none of the said Persons have
yet made their Appearance before us agreeable to order
therefore resolved that a Letter be wrote to Col- Cornelius
Van Dyck requesting him forthwith to send down to us all
the said Persons -
Archibald M?Neal appearing before the Board agreeable
to the Recognizance entered into by him last Saturday and
having considered the Case of the said Archibald MfNeal
Resolved thereupon that he enter into a Recognizance with
a sufficient surety for his good Behaviour and remaining
[432] within the following Limits (to wit) to the North as far
722 State of New York
1781 as the Patroon's Mill's in the Manor of Rensselaerwyck and
to the East and South and West the Limits of the City of
Albany -
Archibald MeNeal of the Scotch Patent in
the County of Albany Farmer in £100
Evans Umphrey of Schatikoke in the Cou[n]ty
of Albany Farmer his Bail in £100
Resolved that David Waters be discharged from Con
finement on Martin G. Van Bergan's and Myndert Roose-
boom's entering into a Recognizance for the good Behaviour
of the said David Waters for his doing his duty and appear
ing before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the Continuance of the
present War with Great Britain —
Martin G. Van Bergan of the City of Albany
Yeoman as Bail for David Waters in. ... £100
Myndert Rooseboom of the same place
Merchant also his Bail in £100
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 2Qth May 1781 —
May 29' Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ) f r
n , o . i Stewart Dean
Samuel Stringer ) (
A Letter from Robert Harper Esq? one of the Commis
sioners for Conspiracies at Poughkeepsie dated 25-h In
stant was laid before the Board wherein he informs us that
he incloses two Letters the one from Brigadier General
Waterbury dated at Stanford the 8- Instant to the Com-
[433] missioners at Westchester County the other from the
said Commissioners dated at Cortlandt's Manor the 17-
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 723
Instant to the Commissioners for Conspiracies at Pough- r78i
keepsie from which Letters it appears that Jeremiah Smith
and Henry Skinkle have been apprehended at Stanford on
Suspicion of their having been to New York and sent to the
said Commissioners at Poughkeepsie who as they are In
habitants of this County have by a Recognizance condi
tioned in the sum of One thousand Pounds with George
Smith of Claverack as their Surety bound them for their
Personal Appearance before this Board on this day and
the said Jeremiah Smith and Henry Skinkle appearing this
Day agreeable to the Tenor of the said Recognizance and
being severally examined and it appearing evident from
their Examinations that they have been to New York to
the Enemy therefore resolved that they be committed and
that a Mittimus be made out for them —
The Examinations of the said Jeremiah Smith and Henry
Skinkle being reduced to Writing are as follows (to wit)
(see Examination on File)
Adjourned —
Met Albany 30^? May 1781 -
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda J ( Stewart Dean
Information being Given to the Board that one of the sons
of Rykert Radliff is gone off to the Enemy resolved in Con
sequence of the said Information that the said Rykert Rad
liff (who entered into Recognizance for the Personal Appear-
[434] ance of his two sons John Radliff and Arent Radliff
forthwith) deliver them up to this Board —
M? Warner of King's District appeared before this Board
and informed us that at the Request of Col- Whiting he
waited upon us in Order to inform the Board that a Number
724 State of New York
1781 of the People called Shaking Quakers had lately purchased
Arms & Ammunition which was supposed to be done by
them with a View to assist the Enemy should they come into
the Country resolved in Consequence of the said Information
that a Letter be wrote to Col- Whiting requesting him to collect
every Piece of Evidence concerning the above Transactions
and such Persons against whom he can Obtain Proof to send
us together with the Evidence against each particular Person —
The Honorable Brigadier General Clinton having sug
gested to the Board the necessity of having the disaffected
Inhabitants residing at Ballstown removed from thence with
their Families and Effects — resolved thereupon that a
Letter be wrote to the Commissioners for Conspiracies at
Schenectady requesting them as soon as possible to have all
the Disaffected of Ballstown removed to the Interior Parts of
this Country —
There being an absolute Necessity that the Families of
those Persons who have gone off to the Enemy should be
removed within the Enemies Lines and the Legislature hav
ing at their last Sitting passed a Law for their Removal which
said Law has not as yet been-published therefore resolved that a
Letter be wrote to the Secretary of State requesting him by the
first Conveyance to send to uc a certified Copy of the said Act —
Resolved that Lukas Dewitt be discharged from [435]
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his Duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the Present War with Great
Britain and America —
Lukas Dewitt of the Great Imbought Far
mer in £100
Jacobus Perse of the same place Farmer his
Bail in. , £100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 725
Resolved that John C. Person be discharged from Con- 1781
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Be
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present War between Great
Britain and America —
John C. Person of the Great Imbought Dis
trict Farmer in £100
Jacob Van Olinda of the Manor of Rens-
selaerwyck Farmer his Bail in £100
Resolved that Peter Larawa be discharged from Confine
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present War with Great Britain —
Peter Larawa of Ulster County Farmer. . .in. £100
Peter West of the same place Farmer his Bail in. £100
Resolved that Lukas DeWitt Jun- be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain And also for his appearance at the next
Court of General [436] Sessions of the Peace to be held for
the City and County of Albany at the City Hall in said
City on the first Tuesday in June next to answer unto all
such Matters and things as [sjhall be then and there alledged
against him and not to depart the said Court without Leave —
Lukas Dewitt Jun- of Coocksakie District
Farmer in £100
Zachariah Snyder of Great Imbought District
Farmer his Bail in £100
726 State of New York
Resolved that Teunis Reipenbergh be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behav
iour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present War with Great Britain —
Teunis Reipenbergh of Livingston's Manor
Farmer in £3°°
Hendrick Reipenbergh of the same place
Farmer his Bail in £300
Stephen Bell appeared before the Board and informed
us that in his way from Hosick to this place he met Df
Smith, Abraham Ja: Lansing, Levines Lansing, Thomas
Lambson and some other Persons and that Df Smith
requested him in a particular Manner to avoid mentioning
that he had seen him at that Place and it appearing probable
that the said D- Smith will pass through Bennington on his
way to Canada Therefore Resolved that a Letter be wrote
to Joseph Fay Esq- at Bennington requesting him to have
the said D^ Smith apprehended if possible which Letter is in
the following words (to wit) (see Copy Letter on File)
Ordered that the said Letter be dispatched to Bennington
by Express —
[437] Samuel Stringer Esq- advanced to the Express Eight
Dollars of the New Emission to defray his Expences on
the Road — l
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 31- May 1781 —
May 31. Present
John M. Beeckman } ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j (. Stewart Dean
'Included in Stringer's sworn statement, October 21, 1784, in Revolu
tionary Manuscripts, vol. 40, p. 160, State Comptroller's office.
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 727
James Brisben appeared before the Board and laid before MI?81
us a Certificate signed by Cap- Hezekiah Dunham and a
Number of Persons Friends to the American Cause certifying
that the said James Brisben has since the surrender of Gen
eral Burgoyne behaved himself well in every Respect and
that they are willing that he should be permitted to remain
at his Place of Abode at Saragtoga, and Peter Scharp who
is Bail for the said James Brisben agreeing to the same and
the said Certificate being taken into Consideration resolved
thereupon that Permission be granted him accordingly
Information being given to the Board that Robert Fuller-
ton of Nistageune did converse with Philip Ryley Jun- on
the very day when said Ryley went off to the Enemy and
there being great Reason to suspect that the said Robert
Fullerton was privy to the said Ryley' s going off and to his
Intention of taking off with him two young Men by the
Name of Devoe —
It is therefore resolved that Jacob Kidney be ordered to
bring the said Robert Fullerton forthwith before the Board —
Jacob Kidney appearing informed that he had Robert
Fullerton ready to produce to the Board and the said Fuller-
ton [438] being called in and Examined under Oath con
fesses that he did converse with Philip Ryley the day he went
off but did not know of his Intention whereupon resolved
that the said Robert Fullerton be discharged —
Barney Cadogan of Schohary one of the Persons com
plained of in the Affidavit's laid before this Board by William
Dietz Esq- appeared before the Board and laid before us
sundry Recommendations from the Officers of the Militia
Regiment commanded by Col- Peter Vrooman which said
Recommendations being taken into Consideration there
upon resolved that they [sic] said Barney Cadogan be
discharged —
728 State of New York
1781 Resolved that a Letter be wrote to Col- Vrooman to inform
May 31.
him that Hendrick Hoff and another Person, from the Enemy
have lately been seen at the Hellebergh and to request him
to detach a Party to apprehend them —
Adjourned —
Met Albany Ist June 1781 -
Present
John M. Beeckman | ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stewart Dean
Rykert Radliff who was ordered to deliver up to this
Board his two sons John Radliff and Arent Radliff appeared
and informed us that his sons are not gone off to the Enemy
and as a proof of the same requested that Lieu- Moses
Hudson might be Examined on that subject and it appear
ing by the Information of the said Lieui Hudson that the said
John Radliff and Arent Radliff are at present at Home there
fore resolved that the said Rykert Radliff be discharged -
[439] The Honorable Brigadier General James Clinton
having thought proper on the Application of this Board to
detain in this City a Party of the Levies to be under the
Direction of this Board and Ensign Philip Herwig being
appointed to take the Charge and command of the said
Men resolved that Instructions be made out for the said
Ensign Herwig which Instructions are as follows (to wit)
(see Copy Instructions on File) —
A Letter from Joseph Fay Esq- of this day's date in
Answer to the Letter sent him by Express on the 30— of
May last was laid before the Board wherein he Informs
that DT Smith is at Bennington where he has surrendered
himself as a Prisoner which Letter is as follows (to wit)
(see Letter on File) -
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 729
Resolved that a Letter be wrote to Joseph Fay Esq- in
answer to the above Letter which is in the words following
(to wit) (see draught Letter on File) —
Adjourned -
Met Albany 2^ Tune 1781 — 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman } f Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Stewart Dean
A Letter from Col1- Anthony Van Bergen of Cooksakie of
this day's Date was laid before the Board wherein he informs
that he sends to us a Man who he has caused to be appre
hended who calls himself John Walker and the said John
Walker being brought before the Board and Examined and
not being able to give a Satisfactory Account of himself
therefore resolved that he be committed and that a Mittimus
be made out for him —
[440] William Dewitt appeared before the Board and
informed us that being on his way from Philadelphia to
this Place he was this day on the Kinderhook Road about
eight Miles from this City taken a Prisoner by Hans Wall-
timyer who after detaining him some Time and asking him
a Number of Questions gave him his Liberty Resolved that
the above Information be immediately communicated to
General Clinton and General Gansevoort in order that some
Plan may be fallen upon to apprehend the said Waltimyer —
Adjourned -
Met Albany ?<? Tune 1781 — 1781
Present June
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j I Stewart Dean
730 State of New York
1781 Philip Herwig having been ordered with his Party of
Men to apprehend Abraham Ja: Lansing, Levines Lansing
& Thomas Lambson who were charged with conveying away
Doctor George Smith and having apprehended the said
Persons agreeable to order and they being brought before
the Board and Examined and it appearing from their
Examinations that their Meeting with Df Smith was merely
Accidental and that they were no way concerned in his
Escape therefore resolved that they be discharged -
Resolved that Ensign Herwig with his Party of Men go
to Cap- Woodward's on the Kinderhook Road and their
remain untill they are joined by William Dewit who will
direct them to the Place where he [441] was made prisoner
by Waltimyer who they will endeavour to apprehend -
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 4^ Tune 1781 —
J»ne *• Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda J \ Stewart Dean
Col- Killian Van Rensselaer appeared before the Board
and informed us that he has received undoubted Informa
tion that Wailtimyer is yet on the East side of the River
and that he thinks he may be apprehended in Case proper
Exertions be made for that Purpose- Resolved that it
be recommended to Col- Rensselaer to order the Militia at
Schodack to keep a guard along the shore at that Place to
prevent Waltimyer's crossing the River —
The Reverend Samuel Swertfeger appeared before the
Board and requested Permission to go to Dutchess County
for the Purpose of looking for a Place to remove his Family
to; which request being taken into Consideration- Re
solved that he have Permission Accordingly -
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 731
Simeon Garret appeared before the Board & informed 1781
June 4.
that he has this morning been taken Prisoner by Hans
Waltimyer who after detaining him some Time in the
woods discharged him —
Resolved in Consequence of the above Information that
General Schuyler and General Gansevoort be sent for to
consult him on the most Effectual way to have the said
Walltimyer apprehended -
Adjourned -
[442] Met Albany 5'" June 1781 -
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer [ ( Stewart Dean
Adam Beam of the New City having been cited to appear
before this Board for having conveyed Df Smith in a Waggon
to Bennington and appearing this day agreeable to order
and being examined and it appearing from his Examina
tion that he was altogether unacquainted with Df Smith's
Character and Situation therefore resolved that he be
discharged —
It appearing to this Board from the Examination of Simeon
Garret that Walltimyer has slept several Nights in the Barn
of John Ver Plank of Coyeman's Patent and there being
reason to suppose that the Information respecting the said
John Ver Planck is true from his Character of Disaffection
and the said John Ver Planck being at present in this place -
Therefore resolved that Jacob Kidney be ordered to bring
him forthwith before the Board -
Jacob Kidney appearing with John Ver Planck and he
being Examined with Respect to Walltimyer' s sleeping in his
Barn and he being ready to swear that he never knew of said
732 State of New York
1781 Walltimyer being there which Assertion being deemed
satisfactory to the Board therefore resolved that he be dis
charged —
Adjourned
1781 [443] Met Albany 6^? June 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman | j Stewart Dean
Samuel Stringer ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Jeremiah Smith and Hendrick Skinkle who were some
Time ago committed being brought before the Board were
again Examined and being unwilling to make answers to the
Questions proposed to them therefore resolved that they be
recommitted —
It appearing to this Board that Peter Huyck has for
feited the Recognizance by him entered into before this
Board ordered therefore that the Secretary make out the
said Recognizance and transmit the same to the Attorney
General in Order to its being prosecuted —
Nathaniel Cotton of Cooksakie being a material Witness
against William Hartley who was some Time since confined
as a spy from the Enemy and as the said William Hartley is
to receive his Tryal by a Court Martial therefore Resolved
that the said Nathaniel Cotton be cited to appear forthwith
before this Board —
John Walker who was on the 2n- Instant apprehended
on Suspicion by order of Col- Van Bergen was brought before
the Board and being Examined says that he is a Continental
Soldier belonging to the Massachusets Line and that he has
deserted from West Point resolved that the said John Walker
be delivered over to Coll Van Schaick whose Regiment is
now on their way to West Point —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 733
A Letter from Joseph Fay EsqT dated at Bennington
on the 3? Instant was laid before the Board which Letter
is in the following words (to wit) (see Letter on File) —
Adjourned —
[444] Met Albany 9"? June 1781 -
Present
John M. Beeckman } j Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) 1 Stewart Dean
William Parker, John Wait, Isabel Parker, Jane Wait,
and James Parker Inhabitants of Tryon County having
been apprehended for harbouring and supplying Parties
from the Enemy with Provisions and being brought before
the Board and it appearing from their Examinations that
they have received Letters from the enemy therefore resolved
that William Parker and John Wait be committed and that
Isabel Parker, Jane Wait and James Parker have Permission
to return to their Places of Abode to fetch from thence their
Families and Effects —
Resolved that a Mittimus be m[a]de out for William Parker
and John Wait —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 13^ June 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ] ( T ^ „ ,
. n . \ Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer (
Hugh Mitchell and Abraham Outhout Esq- Commis
sioners for Conspiracies from Schenectady informed the
Board that there are a Number of Persons at the Hellebergh
who have harboured Walltimyer and Bettis and that there is
734 State of New York
1781 a Necessity at this Time of removing from thence such
Persons and the other disaffected Inhabitants in that Quarter
and this Board being convinced of the Necessity of such a
[445] measure especially as the Enemy are daily expected
upon the Frontiers -
Therefore Resolved that it be recommended to the said
Hugh Mitchell and Abraham Outhout to send a Party of men
from Schenectady to apprehend some of those who are most
notoriously disaffected in that Quarter and this Board will
also send a Party that way to apprehend Joseph Bettis who is
reported is still there —
Resolved that Col- Anthony Van Bergen be requested to
send a party of his Regiment to Peesink and places Adjacent
to apprehend all suspected Persons in that Quarter —
The Board having received Information from Col- Van
Bergen that Robert Tripp being looked upon as a dangerous
Person therefore Resolved that a warrant be made out for
him and delivered to Col- Van Bergen to have the same
served —
The Board having received Information that a certain
Scott who is at present at New York has a Quantity of Wheat
stored at Moore's at Kat's Kill and as the same ought to
be seized for the use of the Publick therefore resolved that
a Letter be wrote to Hezekiah Van Orden Esq- requesting
him to make Enquiry concerning the said Wheat and have
the same seized for the Public Use agreeable to Law which
Letter is in the words following (to wit) (see Copy Letter on
File)
A Letter from Teunis Van Wagenen dated at Kat's Kill
dated the 26- Ultimo was laid before the Board which
Letter is in the following words (to wit) (see Letter on
File) -
Adjourned -
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 735
[446] Met Albany 14**? June 1781 — 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( 0 i n •
•i 1 Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda J (
As there are a Number of disaffected Persons in the Regi
ment at present commanded by Major Ezekiel Taylor some of
whom as they live upon the Frontiers it is necessary should be
removed therefore resolved that Major Taylor be requested to
furnish this Board as soon as possible with a List of his Regi
ment together with the Political Character of Each Man —
Cap- John Grote appeared before the Board with Edward
M'rGurkey who he informed us he had apprehended for
endeavouring to enlist him the said John Grote for the Service
of the King of Great Britain And producing a Guinea de
livered him by the said Edward M'rGurkey as a Bounty and
the said M'rGurkey being Examined confessing that he has
taken an Oath to be true to the King resolved that he be
confined and that a Mittimus be made out for him —
It being represented to the Board that Robert Bohannah
of Nistageune is a dangerous and disaffected Person and there
being Reason to suspect that he harbours persons from the
Enemy It is therefore resolved that a warrant be made out
directed to Philip Herwig to apprehend the said Robert
Bohannah and that Nicholas Van Vranken of Nistageune be
requested to assist the said Philip Herwig in the Execution
of the above Warrant —
Adjourned -
[447] Met Albany 15- June 1781 - 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T
;; ! 0 . •) Isaac D. tonda
Samuel Stringer (
736 State of New York
June 15. Cap- John Grote appearing before the Board for the
Purpose of being Examined with Respect to Edward
M'rGurkey was examined accordingly and his Examination is
in the words following (to wit) (see Examination on File) —
John Oliver, Jacob Daniels, Francis Winne and Eli
Arnold having been present at the Time that Edward
M^Gurkey attempted to Enlist John Grote and having been
Ordered to appear before the Board to be Examined concern
ing the same and attending for that Purpose were severally
examined and their examinations are as follows (to wit)
(see Examination on File) —
Adjourned —
Ju£?x6. Met Albany 16^ June 1781 -
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T
, 0 . 1 Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer )
Robert Bohannah for whose Apprehension a warrant was
on the 14— Instant made out being brought before the Board
by Philip Herwig and the Charges as alledged against him
being read to him, he utterly denied the same and as a proff
of his Innocence offered to take up and bring before this
Board all Persons who he finds travelling through that
Part of the Country where he resides and the Board being of
Opinion that by discharging the said Robert Bohannah they
may receive such Information from him respecting [448] Joe
Bettis and others as may enable the Board to have them
apprehended therefore resolved that he be discharged -
Robert Brisben of Saragtoga having entered into Recogni
zance before this Board and having since gone off to Canada
and joined the Enemy and Jonathan Pettit his Bail being
called upon to pay the Recognizance Money and appearing
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 737
for that Purpose resolved that the same amounting to 237 I78lfi
Dollars of the Money Emitted pursuant to a Resolution of
the 1 8- of March be received and delivered over into the
Hands of the Secretary to this Board —
Resolved that the List received from Major Ezekiel
Taylor of the Regiment under his Command be transmitted to
the Commissioners for Conspiracies at Schenectady —
Adjourned —
Met Albany i8^h Tune 1781 — 1781
Present ^e l8'
John M. Beeckman ) ( n . n .
T ~ T-, . 1 Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) (
The Honorable Brigadier General James Clinton having
requested the Board to take the Examinations of William
Empie and Randell Hewit who were taken Prisoners by a
Party of Oneyda Indians near Crown Point and they being
brought before the Board and examined say as follows (to wit)
(see their Examinations on File) —
Resolved that they be recommitted —
Adjourned —
[449] Met Albany 19- June 1781 — June 19.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( c , c .
_ „ -J Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda J (
The Board having taken into Consideration the Complaint
exhibited to us by a Number of the approved Friends to the
American Cause residing at the Hellebergh and places
adjoining and being of Opinion from the frequent Parties
from the enemy who are harboured in that Quarter by the
738 State of New York
1781 disaffected ; that such as are reputed dangerous Persons should
be removed from that part of the Country and the Board
having been furnished with List's of the names of the Persons
belonging to the Companies of Cap- Van Aernam, Cap-
Luke, Cap- Grote, and Cap- Slingerlandt and with the
character of Each particular Person.
Resolved that the said List's be delivered to the Officer
commanding the Party detached by General Clinton at the
request of this Board to carry the above into Execution.
Isaac Sheldon Constable appeared before the Board
& informed that he had apprehended two Persons at Stephen
Town who appeared to be of suspicious Characters and the
said Persons being brought in and Examined say their Names
are John Cane and Jesse Adams and not giving a satisfactory
Account of themselves resolved that they be committed
and that a Mittimus be made out for them.
Col- Van Bergen having at the Request of this Board
caused Robert Trip to be apprehended for harbouring
Walltimyer and the said Robert Trip being brought before
the Board and Examined his Examination is in the words
following (to wit) (see Examinations on File) -
Adjourned -
1781 [450] Met Albany 21^ June 1781 -
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T T^ *- j
• _ . - Isaac D. ronda
Samuel btnnger ) (
William Epie who was on the 18- Instant committed
was ordered to be brought before the Board and being again
Examined his Examination is in the following words (to wit)
(see Examination on File)
Randell Hewitt who was also on the 18- Instant committed
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 739
was ordered to be brought before the Board & being Ex- _
June 21.
amined his examination is in words following (to wit) (see
his Examination on File)
Adjourned.
Met Albany 26^ June 1781 - jt^fk
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T r^ T? j
] Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) (
Jacob Barger appeared before the Board and informed
us that he had apprehended a certain John Anderson who
appears to him to be of a suspicious Character and the said
John Anderson being brought in and Examined and not
giving a satisfactory account of himself therefore resolved
that he be committed and that a mittimus be made out for
Him-
Adjourned —
Met Albany 28^? June 1781 — T J781 a
„. J J I June 28.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stewart Dean
Ephraim Hopping appeared before the Board and [451]
informs that he is lately deserted from Canada where he
has been some Time as a Prisoner and produced a Pass of
Thomas Chittendon Esq- to come to this Place and he being
desirous of going to his Excellency Governor Clinton at
Poughkeepsie resolved that a pass for that purpose be given
him —
Peter Seeger having been ordered to appear before the
Board appeared and was Examined -
Major John Graham having with a Party of Men been
740 State of New York
1781 detached to the Hellebergh in order to apprehend Joe Bettis
and other Emissaries from the enemy in that Quarter and
having apprehended Jellis Legrange for harbouring the said
Bettis and having also apprehended a certain John Low on
suspicion and the said Jellis Legrange and John Low being
Examined resolved as nothing appears against the said John
Low that he be discharged and that Jellis Legrange be
committed and that a Mittimus be made out for him —
Cornelius Van Sice being ordered to appear before the
Board and being Examined says that the above mentioned
Jellis Legrange brought him to Joe Bettis to Enlist which
Examination is as follows (see Examination on File) —
Adjourned —
_ Met Albany 29^ June 1781 —
June 20. ~ j ? j t
Present
John M. Beeckman
Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda
Stewart Dean
The Examination's of John Bardine and Ebenezer French
taken by William Schuyler, William Harper and David
M^Master Esq— Justices of the Peace for the County of Tryon
[452] were laid before the Board and it appearing from the
said Examinations that Isaac Lawson who the said Justices
have caused to be apprehended and sent to us is a Dangerous
and disaffected Person therefore resolved that he be com
mitted and that a Mittimus be made out for him —
Adjourned -
1781 Met Albany 7O1.11 Tune 1781 —
June 3°' Present
John M Beeckman) j Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) (
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 741
Resolved that Robert Trip be discharged from Confine- _ *781
• • T> r u • j D u • June 3°'
ment on entering into a Recognizance tor his good behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain and
also for his appearance at the next supream Court of Judica
ture to be held for the State of New York on the last Tuesday
in July next at the City Hall in the City of Albany (or
whosoever the said Court shall then be held in the State
aforesaid) then and there to answer unto such things as
shall be there alledged against him and not depart the Court
without Leave —
Robert Trip of Acquatough in the County
of Albany Farmer in £100
Gideon Trip of King's District in the County
aforesaid Farmer his Bail in £100
Adjourned —
[453] Met Albany 31* June [sic for July i] 1781 - jg8i^
Present
John M Beeckman ) j
Samuel Stringer ) (
Simon Relea, Daniel Relea, David Relea, George Sidnam,
John Van Alstyne, Teunis Van Alstyne, Roeliff Seeger, and
Evert Johnson having been apprehended by Major Graham
for harbouring Joseph Bettis and other Emissaries from the
Enemy and they being brought before the Board and
Examined and the Charges against them appearing to be
well founded therefore resolved that they be committed and
that a Mittimus be made out for them —
Adjourned -
742 State of New York
Met Albany c*1 July 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman / ( c , 0 .
^ _ _^ -j bamuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) (
A Letter from Hugh Mitchell Esqf one of the Commis
sioners for Conspiracies at Schenectady was laid before the
Board setting forth that Petrus Wermer who is at present
in Confinement has by the Commissioners at Schenectady
been bound by Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing
his duty and appearance when called upon and Requesting
that the said Petrus Wermer may be liberated unless some
material Charges can be alledged against him and the s-
request being taken into Consideration and as no perticular
Charges have yet been alledged against him the said Petrus
Wermer therefore resolved that he be discharged —
Adjourned —
ji?y86. [454] Met Albany 6<* 1781 -
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T ^ ^ •,
~, ' . 1 Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) (
Peter Van Slyck residing near Cooksakie appearing before
the Board informs us that a Party of Robbers headed by a
certain Joseph Smith (formerly a servant of Walltimyer) did
on the first Instant enter his House and steel a Number of
Articles of him and that in attempting to make his Escape
they fired at him and wounded him in the Arm and that they
took Prisoner at his House Peter Clauw who has since made
his Escape from them and is this day come to Town and the
said Peter Clauw appearing before the Board & being exam
ined says as follows (to wit) (see his examination on File)
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 743
Met Albany 7th July 1781 — 1781
T-» Tulv 7.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( c i e •
^ Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. ronda ) (
Col- Veeder appeared before the Board and requested
the liberation of Coenradt Coen from Confinement as the
said Coenradt Coen has always discovered a Willingness to
do his duty when required and the said request being taken
into Consideration resolved in Consequence thereof that the
said Coenradt Coen be discharged from Confinement and
cautioned against associating with disaffected Persons in
Future -
[455] Resolved that Peter Relea be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain -
Peter Relea of the west District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in £100
Martin Sybert of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Adjourned —
Met Albany 8^ July 1781 -
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( c i
Isaac D. Fonda f 1 SamUeI
John Loe appeared before the Board and requested
Permission to go and reside at Christian Sant's at the Bever
Dam resolved that Permission be granted him accordingly
on the said Christian Sant's entering into a Recognizance
744 State of New York
J78i for the good Behaviour of the said John Loe and for his
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present War with Great Britain —
Christian Sant of the Bever Dam in the
County of Albany Farmer as Bail for
John Loe in £100
The Honorable Brigadier General James Clinton having
signified to this Board his Approbation of Randell Hewit
a Prisoner of war being liberated from Confinement upon
giving Security to this Board to appear when called upon
resolved therefore that he be liberated accordingly on
Ephraim Hewit his Father [456] entering into a Recog
nizance for his remaining within the Limits of the Farm at
present in Possession of the said Ephraim Hewit at Keyad-
eroseras and appearing before any three of the Commis
sioners for Conspiracies when called upon and for his good
Behaviour until he shall be Exchanged or otherwise di[s]posed
of —
Ephraim Hewit of Keyaderoseras Patent in
the County of Albany Farmer Bail for
Randell Hewit in £100
A Letter from Col- Van Bergen dated at Cooksakie the
4- Instant was laid before the Board inclosing the Exam
inations of Teunis Hoogteling, Peter Finehout, William
Davis, and Israel Kelsey concerning the Robbery com
mitted at Peter Van Slyck's which Letter and Examina
tions are as follows (to wit) (see Examinations & Letter
on File) —
It appearing to this Board from the Examination of Peter
Clauw that the Party who robbed Van Sluyck stopped at
the House of Adrian Bradt at Niscuthaw and that Joe
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 745
Smith one of the said Party conversed for some time in 1781
private with the said Adrian Bradt and as the said Adrian
Bradt has not given any Information concer[n]ing the said
Party therefore resolved that he be ordered to appear before
this Board to Morrow Morning —
Adjourned —
Met Albany ioth July 1781 — 1781
Present J^y I0-
John M. Beeckman ) f T
P , 0 . 1 Isaac D. tonda
bamuel Stringer j (
It appearing from the Examination of Peter [457] Clauw
that Adrian Bradt Jun- (son of Adrian Bradt) was at Home
when the party who robbed Peter Van Slyck was at his
Father's House and that he conversed with them and the
said Adrian Bradt Jun- having been apprehended by Jacob
Kidney and brought before the Board and being examined
as to the same resolved that he enter into a Recognizance for
his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the Continuance of the present
war with Great Britain.
Andrian Bradt Junf of Niscuthaw in the
County of Albany Farmer in £100
Peter S. Seeger of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Adrian Bradt having been cited to appear before the
Board appeared and was Examined and the said Adrian
Bradt appearing to be much indisposed and as his being
confined at this Time may endanger his Life therefore
resolved that he enter into Recognizance with sufficient
sureties for his remaining within the Limits of this City
746 State of New York
I78l untill discharged by this Board and for his good Behaviour
July 10. in the mean Time -
Adrian Bradt of Niscuthaw in the County of
Albany Farmer in £100
James Van Zandt of the City of Albany Car
penter his Bail in £100
John Van Nist of the Normans Kill in the
County of Albany Farmer also his Bail in. £100
Frederick Miller (son in Law of Adrian Bradt) having
been cited to appear before the Board and being examined
with Respect to the Party who robbed Van Slyck and who
were at the said Adrian Bradt' s and it appearing that he had
no Conver- [458] sation with the said Party, yet on Account
of his Connection with the said Adrian Bradt, It is resolved
that he enter into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when thereunto required until discharged by
this Board.
Frederick Miller of Niscuthaw in the County
of Albany Cordwainer in £100
John N. Smith of the same place Wheel
wright his Bail in £100
Lieu- David Hustead Appeared before the Board with
Lucius Palmer, Gideon Palmer, Isaac Palmer, Simon
Chesley and Comfort Marks who he had apprehended on
account of their intending to go to Canada & they being
severally examined resolved that they be confined —
Adjourned -
1781 Met Albany IIth July 1781 —
July "• Present
John M. Beeckman
Samuel Stringer
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 747
Lucius Palmer, Gideon Palmer, Isaac Palmer, Simon
Chesley and Comfort Marks who were Yesterday confined
being again brought before the Board and Examined as to
their Intention of going to the Enemy at Canada — Resolved
on Account of the youth and Inexperience of the said Lucius
Palmer, George Palmer, Isaac Palmer, Simon Chesley and
Comfort Marks and their Candid Acknowledgement's that
they be discharged on their taking the following Oath, (to
wit) -
I do swear upon the holy Evangelists of Almighty god
that I will be true to the State of New York and [459] will
Conduct myself as a good and faithful subject of the said
State ought to do; that and I will not aid, comfort, council
with, or Assist in any way whatever any of the Enemies of
the said State of New York or the United States of America
and that I will immediately make known any Plots that may
be intended against any of the said United States and
discover that may come to my knowledge any of their
Enemies whenever I [kjnow there are any lurking about
in the Country to any Officer or to the Board of Commis
sioners — So help me God —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 16^ July 1781 - July8i6.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f T T^ -n j
. _ . -j Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) (
Jacobus Van Sante appearing before the Board requested
to deliver up in Discharge of himself Adrian Bradt. resolved
that the said Jacobus Van Sante be discharged from the
Recognizance by him entered into for the said Adrian Bradt
and that the said Adrian Bradt be confined and a Mittimus
be made out for him —
748 State of New York
Elizabeth Burrows having been Ordered to appear before
the Board and appearing and being examined as to Joe Smith
and his Party and she positively denying her having seen the
said Smith or any of his Party resolved that she be discharged —
Gerrit Seeger having also been cited to appear before
the Board and appearing and being Examined his Examina
tion is as follows (to wit) (see Examination on File) —
Adjourned —
July8!* [460] Met Albany 19* July 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f c i r» •
^ _^ „ K Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j (
Adrian Bradt Jun-, Evert Sixbey, Jacobus Van Valken-
burgh, Alexander Conning and Ann Conning his wife and
Richard Kerknaer having been apprehended for harbouring
and supplying with Provisions the Party who robbed Peter
Van Slyck and being brought before the Board and severally
examined resolved that they be committed and that a Mitti
mus be made out for them —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 20^ July 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f c , c .
^ _ _ , •< Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j (
Lucas Taylor being charged with being privy to the
harbouring of the Party who robbed Van Slyck being brought
before the Board and Examined resolved that he enter into a
Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing his duty and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con
spiracies during the Continuance of the present war with
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 749
Great Britain and for his Appearance at the next Supream J78i
Court of Judicature to be held for the State of New York
at the City Hall in this City on the last Tuesday in July
Instant (or wheresoever the said Court shall then beheld in the
State aforesaid) to answer to such Matters as shall be alledged
against him and not to depart the Court without Leave-
Lucas Taylor of the West District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck in £100
[461] Gerrit Van Wie of the same place
Farmer his Bail in £100
Staats Bradt who was also charged with being privy
to the harbouring Joe Smith and the rest of the Party who
robbed Peter Van Slyck being brought before the Board
resolved that he enter into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies during the Continuance
of the present war with Great Britain and for his Appearance
at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be held for the
State of New York at the City Hall in this City on the last
Tuesday in July next (or wheresoever the said Court shall
then be held in the State aforesaid) to answer to such Matters
as shall be alledged against him and not to depart the Court
without Leave —
Staats Bradt of the West District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. ... £100
Gerrit Van Wie of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Jacob France of Thurlough, charged by William Summer
with having assisted in the destruction of Currey Town being
brought before the Board and Examined resolved that he be
committed and that a Mittimus be made out for him —
Adjourned
750 State of New York
J78i Met Albany 21^ July 1781 —
July 21.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f c i o •
J 4 Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda J (
Resolved that a letter be wrote to Hugh Mitchell Esq~
at Schenectady requesting him to take Cornelius Van
Sice's Recognizance for his appearance at the next supream
Court and transmit the same to this Board —
[462] A Letter from Zepheniah Batchelder Esq?" Justice of
the Peace of Tryon County was laid before the Board wherein
he informs that John Cuppernul who formerly resided at
Stonearabia is removed to Schohary, and the said John Cup
pernul being a material Witness against Jacob J. Truax —
Resolved in Consequence of the said Letter that a Letter
be wrote to Peter Vrooman Esq- at Schohary requesting him
to take the said John Cuppernull's Recognizance for his
appearance at the next supream Court and transmit the same
to this Board to be handed to the Court —
Evert Jansen being committed on a charge of having
harboured Joseph Bettis was brought before the Board and
Examined Ordered that he be recommitted —
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 23d Tuly 1781 —
Jul^' [Present]
John M. Beeckman ) ( 0 i c •
^ 1 Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) (.
Jacob France of Thurlough who was committed on the
20- Instant being brought before the Board and Examined
saith as follows (to wit) (see Examination on File) —
Ordered that he be recommitted —
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 751
Met Albany 24^ July 1781 — T '781
Present July
John M Beeckman
Samuel Stringer
William summer of Thurlough having been sent to
Goal by Col- Willet on Account of his having assisted the
[463] Enemy in the Destruction of Currey Town being
brought before the Board and Examined saith as follows
(see Examination on File) — Ordered that he be recom
mitted -
Adjourned —
Met Albany 25?" July 1781 -
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( c i c •
J •{ Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda J (
Resolved that Anne Conning be liberated from Confine
ment on James Jolley's entering into a Recognizance for her
Appearance at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be
held for the State of New York at the City Hall in the City
of Albany on the last Tuesday in July Instant (or whereso
ever the said Court shall then be held in the State aforesaid)
to answer to such Matters as shall be alledged against her
and not to depart the Court without leave -
James Jolly of the West District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Farmer as Bail for
Anne Conning in ...................... £100
Henry Haines, Coenradt Brown, Frederick Merkle,
Michael Merkle, Christian Merkle, Mathias Merkle, Ann
Frets, Henry Haines Jun-, Christopher Redick, Henry
Frandts, Coenradt Hopper, Jacobus Hopper, George Walker,
John Summer, Christian Minor, Michael Frederick, Johannis
752 State of New York
Tul782 Coenradt, Christian Ottman, Jacob Haines, David Coffman,
and George Cross having been apprehended by order of
Col1- Willett on the Charge alledged against him [them]
by William Summer of their having Assisted the Enemy
in the Destruction of Currey Town and they being sent
down to this Board resolved that they be confined and that a
Mittimus be made out for them -
[464] It appearing from the Examination of William
Summer that William Petrie Esq- of Tryon County will be
wanted as a witness at the ensuing Supream Court against
the above mentioned Persons from Thurlough therefore
resolved that a Letter be wrote to him requesting his Attend
ance at that Time —
Resolved that a Letter be also wrote to David Lewis
requesting his attendance at the next Supream Court as a
witness against the above mentioned from Thurlough —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 26^ July 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T ^ ^ ,
i * . 1 Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer (
Haze[l]ton Spencer who was some time ago with the
approbation of General Clinton liberated from Confinement
and restricted to the Limits of this City appeared before the
Board and laid before us a further Approbation of General
Clinton to permit the said Hazelton Spencer to go and reside
at the New City and the same having been taken into Con
sideration and Abraham Jacob Lansing who is surety for the
said Hazelton Spencer consenting to the same therefore
resolved that the said Hazelton Spencer have leave accordingly
and that he be ordered to make his appearance before this
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 753
Board once every Week during the time he remains at the
XT /-• r -j July 26.
New City as aforesaid.
William Somer being brought before the Board was again
Examined and ordered to be recommitted
Adjourned —
[465] Met Albany 27* July 1781 -
Present
John M Beeckman )
Samuel Stringer )
Christina Hooper formerly of Thurlough in Tryon County
having been cited to appear before the Board and she appear
ing this day agreeable to the said Order and being Examined
as to the Thurlough Inhabitants saith as follows (to wit)
(see Examination on File) —
Coenradt Brown, Christian Ottman, and Jacob Haines
Jun- being brought before the Board were Examined and
Ordered to be recommitted —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 28^? July 1781 — 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f T T^ T? j
J -j Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) (
A Letter from Hugh Mitchell Esqf dated 27- Instant was
laid before the Board informing that he sends down under
Guard John Ward who was apprehended near Ballstown
and was supposed to be on his way to Canada —
And the said John Ward being brought before the Board
and examined and it appearing that he is a Deserter from
the Enemy and has hitherto conducted himself well there
fore resolved that he be discharged —
754 State of New York
1781 Archibald M?Neal appeared before the Board and re
quested Permission to go to his Place of abode at the Scotch
Patent to which his Bail Evans Umphrey consenting resolved
that he [466] have Permission accordingly until the first day
of September next —
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 30^ July 1781 —
July 30. Present
John M. Beeckman ) f c i o •
J 4 Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda (
A Letter from Flores Bancker Esq- dated 29- Instant
was laid before the Board setting forth that a Number of
disaffected Persons have lately been removed from the
Western Frontiers to the East side of the River who he has
great Reason to beleive from sundry Circumstances are
meditating some Scheme against the wellfare of the State
and requesting directions what steps it will be necessary to
take with the above Persons -
And the subject of the above Letter being taken into
Consideration — Resolved that it be recommended to the
said Flores Bancker to make every possible discovery with
Respect to the above Matter and transmit the same without
delay to this Board —
It appearing from the Examination of William Summer
that Christopher France formerly an Inhabitant of Thurlough
who at present resides at Nistageune was in the Year 1778
on his way to join Gen- S- Ledger when he had invested
Fort Schuyler and that he last Fall also went to Schohary
to assist Sir John Johnson in the destruction of Schohary
resolved therefore that a warrant be made [467] out directed
to Jacob Kidney to apprehend the said Christopher France
and forthwith bring him before the Board —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 755
The Board having received Information that Arthur Hewit
July 30.
of Pits Town is able to give some very material Information
respecting Simeon Smith therefore resolved that the said
Arthur Hewit be cited to appear before this Board in Order
that he may be examined as to the Conduct of the said
Simeon Smith —
Jellis Legrange requesting to be brought before the Board
informed us that Joseph Bettis with some others are lately
come from Canada and that there is a Prospect in case a
Party of Men should be sent out that the said Bettis might
be apprehended —
Resolved that in Consequence of the said Information
that application be immediately made for a Party of Con
tinental Troops to go in search of the said Joseph Bettis and
that the said Party be directed to go to the House of the
said Jellis Legrange and one Flager where they will strictly
search for them —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 31** July 1781 T y*1
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f , ^ ^ .
•L in- f 1 Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer J (
Jellis Legrange again requesting to be brought before the
Board & being brought accordingly says that Hans Walty-
mier is lately also come from Canada that he has brought
Dispatches for some Persons in this City and that he Yester
day was in Town with them [468] resolved that it be recom
mended to the said Jellis Legrange to make what further
discoveries he is able and that this Board will in that Case
use their Influence with the Supream Court to procure his
liberation from Confinement -
Christian Legrange appeared before the Board and in-
756 State of New York
1781 formed that Joe Bettis has this day been at his House and
that the said Bettis informed the said Christian Legrange's
wife that he is this night to be at the House of one Fagler
whose son went to Canada some Time since with the said
Joe Bettis in Consequence of which Information resolved
that the Honorable Brigadier Gen- James Clinton be
requested to order out a Party of Col- Cortlandt's Regiment
to apprehend the said Joe Bettis
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 2^ August 1781 —
' Present
John M. Beeckman ) f T ^ ^ .
:; . 0 . i Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) (
Resolved that Hendrick Haines of Thurlough be dis
charged from Confinement on entering into a Recognizance
for his good Behaviour and appearance before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present War with
Great Britain —
Hendrick Haines of Thurlough in the County
of Tryon Farmer in ................... £100
John Roff of the City of Albany Merchant
his Bail in ............................ £100
Adjourned —
1781 [469] Met Albany 4^ August 1781 —
Aug. 4-
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( T r^ T- i
, 0 . i Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ; (.
Resolved that Rykert Kerknaer be discharged from Confine
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 757
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com- X78i
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present War with Great Britain —
Rykert Kernaer of the West District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in £100
Francis Rosseau of the same Place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Resolved that Michael Bruce enter into a Recognizance
for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the Continuance of the present
War with Great Britain —
Michael Bruce of the West District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. ... £100
Joshua Bloore of the City of Albany Mer
chant his Bail in £100
Adjourned
Met Albany 6- August 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( n . n .
:: ^ ^ . Y < Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda J (.
Edward M'rGurkey confined on the Complaint of
John Groote for endeavoring to enlist the said John Groot[e]
[470] for the service of the enemy was brought before the
Board and as no Indictment has been found against him —
Therefore resolved that he be discharged from Confinement —
Adjourned
Met Albany f^ August 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( 0 .
1 ~ T, j 1 Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda J I
758 State of New York
T7Sl Resolved that Jacobus Van Valkenburgh be discharged
from Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his
good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present War with
Great Britain —
Jacobus Van Valkenburgh of the West Dis
trict of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck
Farmer in £100
John Oliver of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Christian Merkle of Thurlough at present in Confinement
being very 111 and as a Continuance in his present Situation
may endanger his Life — - Therefore resolved that he have
Permission to go to the House of Christian Earing in this
City untill he is recovered of his Indisposition —
Adjourned —
*78i Met Albany 8^h August 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman | j Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stewart Dean
An Attempt having last Night been made by [471] Hans
Waltimier with a Party of Men to carry off General Schuyler
and it appearing probable that he will endeavour to Escape
by the way of the Nistageune Road -
It is therefore Resolved that a Letter be wrote to Col-
Philip Schuyler requesting him to detach Cap- Levinis
Lansing's Company to go to the Wothoyct1 and there remain
until to Morrow Morning and that he dispose of the Re-
1 Evidently written corruptly for Uytkyck, a hill on the old road to
Niskayuna; also written at times as Kyck-uyt, and in English as Outlook.
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 759
mainder of his Men in such a Way as he may judge best
to intercept the said Waltimier and his Party -
Resolved also that a Letter be wrote to Col- John H.
Beeckman at Schodack to order out a Party of his Regiment
to Guard the shore from the Kinderhook Dock to Schodack
in Case Waltimier may Attempt to Cross the River
It being represented to the Board that James Dunneway
of this City has been sworn by a Party of Men in the
Woods — Resolved in Consequence of the said Information
that the said James Dunneway be sent for and Examined —
James Dunneway appearing and being Examined says
that a few days ago he was in the Woods about five or Six
Miles from Town where he was taken Prisoner by three
Men who swore him to Secrecy and that he has not since
that Time seen them again ordered that he be discharged -
Jellis Legrange at present in Confinement having informed
the Board that Waltimier has been in Town with Letters
from Canada and that he has received his Information
from William Empie & Terence [472] Smith who are also
in Confinement wherefore resolved that the said William
Empie and Terence Smith be brought before the Board
and examined as to the same -
William Empie and Terence Smith being examined refuse
to give any satisfactory Answers to the Questions proposed
to them therefore resolved that they be recommitted —
Adjourned -
Met Albany o^ August 1781 1781
Present Aug' *
John M. Beeckman ) | Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer j ( Stewart Dean
It appearing to this Board highly probable from sundry
Circumstances that Major Reed (who at present lives in
760 State of New York
the House formerly occupied by John Tunnicliff) was privy
Aug. 9- to the Attempt made by Hans Waltimier to take General
Schuyler and as it is suspected that the said Major Read car
ries on a Correspondence with several Persons in Canada -
It is therefore resolved that application be made to General
Clinton for a Party of Men to go and apprehend him and
that Mf Fonda one of the Members of this Board go with
the said Party for the Purpose of searching his House for
treasonable Papers —
The Board having great Reason to think that Hans
Waltimier who a few days ago was in Town with Letters
from Canada has been at the House of Ivy Chambers in
this City and it being the Opinion of this Board that by
searching the House of the said Ivy Chambers [473] Papers
might be found which have come from Canada therefore
resolved that Mf Stringer & Mf Dean go to the House of
the said Ivy Chambers and make search for such Papers -
It appearing to this Board from the Information received
by Isaac D. Fonda Esq- One of the Members of this Board
that two Young Men living on the Nistageune Road have
joined Walitmier's Party and assisted in attempting to take
General Schuyler therefore resolved that a Warrant be made
out for their immediate apprehension —
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 10- Aug- 1781 —
Aug. 10. Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( n . 0 .
-i ~ T, , 1 Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda J (
James Milligan having come to this place from Saragtoga,
and General Schuyler intimating to this Board that the said
James Milligan is come with a bad design and requesting to
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 761
have him examined and he being apprehended and brought AI78x
before this Board and being examined and not answering
satisfactorily to the Questions proposed to him and there
being Reasons to suspect that he is a Spy therefore resolved
that he be committed and that a Mittimus be made out for
him —
Adjourned —
Met Albany n^ August 1781 -
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( n . n .
T TA T- i f i oamuel btnnger
Isaac D. Fonda j (
It being suggested to the Board that Michael Merkle at
present in Confinement is sick and that a [474] Continuance
in his present Confinement may endanger his life therefore
resolved that he be liberated on his entering into a Recogni
zance with a sufficient surety for his remaining within the
House and Yard of Christian Earing situate in the third
Ward of this City until he is recovered of his Sickness and in
the mean Time be of the good Behaviour and appear before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required —
Michael Merkle of Thurlough in the County
of Tryon Farmer in ................... £100
Christian Earing of the City of Albany Mer
chant his Bail in ....................... £100
Lieu- John Leonard appeared before the Board and
informed there has been a Party of armed Men at his House
last Night who came with an Intention to carry him off and
that they have much abused his Wife and there being a
Prospect of apprehending them in Case a Party of Men
could be procured to go with the said Lieu- Leonard there-
762 State of New York
^ore res°lved tnat application be made for a Party of Men
to Gen- Clinton to endeavour to [a]pprehend the said Per
sons —
Adjourned —
Au~g. 12. Met Albany 12^ August 1781 -
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f T T^ T-
oio- i Isaac D. Ponda
Samuel Striner ) (
oio-
Samuel Stringer
Lieu- John Leonard who Yesterday went [475] out with
a Party [of] Men having apprehended Thomas Brown for
harbouring Joseph Bettis and the said Thomas Brown
being brought before the Board and examined resolved that
he be committed and that a Mittimus be made out for him
Adjourned —
Met Albany 13^ August 1781 -
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stewart Dean
A Letter from Col- M^Instrey the Commanding officer at
Saragtoga was laid before the Board wherein he informs that
he sends down to us under Guard a certain Moses Harris
Junf who he has caused to be apprehended on suspicion of
his purchasing Provisions for the supply of the Enemy and
he being brought before the Board and examined and we
being of Opinion that the said Harris is not a Person of so
dangerous a Character as represented by Col- M'rlnstrey
therefore resolved that he be discharged on his procuring
Bail for his future good Behaviour -
An Indian Woman living with Mr.s Gibbon's in this City
having reported that she saw in the Woods a dead Man who
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 763
appeared to be murdered and his Worship the Mayor1 of this
City having gone out to View the Dead Body and not being
able to find the same and we being of Opinion that M-
Gibbons her Mistress whose Husband is gone off to the
Enemy has caused the said Indian Woman to raise the said
report with a [476] View to draw the Mayor out of the City
in order to his being carried off by Persons prepared for
that Purpose therefore resolved that the said Indian Woman
be apprehended and that the said M- Gibbons be ordered
immediately to appear before this Board —
The above mentioned Indian Woman being apprehended
and examined acknowledges that there was a Party of Men
in the Woods who told her to go to the Mayor and inform
him that there was a Man murdered in the Woods resolved
that she be committed —
M- Gibbons appearing and being examined denies that
she knew any Thing of the Report propogated by her Wench
resolved that she be discharged for the present an[d] ordered
to attend again to Morrow Morning —
M- Haywood being also supposed to be concerned in the
above Scheme to have the Mayor taken Prisoner being sent
for and examined and she denying the charge ordered that
she attend again to Morrow Morning —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 14^? August 1781 — 1781
Present Aug- '*•
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Stewart Dean ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
A Letter from Hugh Mitchell and Abraham Outhout Esq^
Commissioners for Conspi- [477] racies at Schenectady was
1 Abraham Ten Broeck was mayor of Albany at this time. He had
been appointed by Governor Clinton in April, 1779.
764 State of New York
laid before the Board wherein they inform that they send
Aug. 14. . '
down to us Daniel Taylor a Person notoriously disaffected
to the American Cause who is a Brother in Law of Joseph
Bettis and has known of the said Bettis being in the Country
without giving any Information concerning the same and
the said Daniel Taylor being Examined resolved that he be
committed and that a Mittimus be made out for him —
Frederick Crants appearing before the Board informed
us that he would become Bail for Christian Merkle and
Michael Merkle who were liberated from Confinement on
Account of their being Sick resolved that Christian Earing be
discharged from the Recognizance by him entered into for the
said Michael Merkle and Christian Merkle and that the said
Frederick Crants accordingly enter into a Recognizance
for the said Christian Merkle and Michael Merkle remaining
within the Limits of his the said Frederick Crants's Farm
and that the said Christian Merkle & Michael Merkle will
surrender themselves as Prisoners to this Board when they
shall have recovered their Health and for their good Be
haviour during that Time —
Frederick Crants of the West District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer as Bail
for Christian Merkle and Michael Merkle
in £100
Adjourned —
1781 [478] Met Albany 16^ August 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stewart Dean
Cap- Holtham Dunham & Lieu- Benonie Grant having
had Conferences in the Woods with David Jones and other
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 765
Persons from Canada and having been detected in the same I78l6
and to avoid Punishment made their Escape with a[n] Inten
tion to go to Canada and having been apprehended and
sent down by Col- M?Kinstrey in order to be confined and
the said Holtham Dunham being brought before the Board
and examined says as follows (to wit) (see Examination on
File)
Resolved that a Mittimus be made out for them and that
the examination of Benoni Grant be postponed until to
Morrow Morning —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 17- August 1781 — 1781
Present Aug' '7'
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stewart Dean
Benonie Grant who was Yesterday committed to Goal
being brought before the Board was Examined his Examina
tion is as follows (to wit) (see Examination on File)
Resolved that Copies of the Examination's of Holtham
Dunham and Benoni Grant be made out and transmitted to
his Excellency Governor Clinton —
[479] It appearing highly probable to this Board from
the Information of Cap- Gerrit Groesbeeck & William Hunn
that Thomas Reed who at present resides on the Farm of
John Tunnicliff near this City knew of the Party that
attempted to take General Schuyler Prisoner being in the
Woods and was acquainted with their Intentions and the
said Thomas Reed from his Intimacy and Connections with
Df George Smith and other disaffected Persons to the Ameri
can Cause giving great Reason to this Board to suspect that
he is concerned in a Scheme prejudicial to the Publick good —
766 State of New York
1781 Therefore resolved that a Warrant be made out directed
to Jacob Kidney to apprehend and bring before us said
Thomas Reed —
Adjourned —
Ai£8i8. Met Albany i8<* August 1781 -
Present
John M. Beeckman \ ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer j ( Stewart Dean
Thomas Reed having been apprehended by Jacob Kidney
agreeable to the Warrant of this Board and being examined
resolved that he be committed and that a Mittimus be made
out for him —
Cap- Robert Woodward appeared before the Board and
informed us that he had apprehended a Man who calls
himself Benoni Robins Forrister who he suspects to be a
British Officer passing through the Country as a Spy and
the said Benoni Robins Forrister being examined and not
being possessed of any Vouchers relative [480] to his Attach
ment to the American Cause and being unable to give a
satisfactory account of himself therefore resolved that he be
committed until he shall produce a Certificate of his Char
acter and ordered that a Mittimus be made out for him —
Adjourned -
I78i Met Albany 21- August 1781 —
Aug. 21. Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stewart Dean
It appearing from the Examination of Cap- Holtham
Dunham and Benoni Grant that a certain Rodgers who
lives at Fiddle Town near Saragtoga has supplied David
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 767
Jones with his Party who had come from Canada and were 1781
secreted in the Woods for the Purpose of taking Major
McKinstrey the Commanding Officer at Saragtoga Prisoner
therefore resolved that a Letter be wrote to Major McKinstrey
requesting him to have the said Rogers apprehended and
sent down to this Board as soon as possible —
Lieu- Moses Hudson appeared before the Board and
informed us that a Young Man of the Name of Fagler who
was last Year seduced by Joe Bettis to go to Canada has
returned and has sent in word that he is desirous of sur
rendering himself up provided he is not confined — Re
solved that Lieu- Hudson be informed that if the said
Fagler [give] himself up to this Board and will make a full
and [481] ample Confession of such Matters as he is ac
quainted with that in such Case the said Fagler will be
discharged on giving surety for his future good Conduct —
Adjourned —
Present
Met Albany 22^ August 1781 — Aug. 22.
John M. Beeckmann ) ( r . n .
T T^ y. , i Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) (
The Board being informed that James Clay is returned
from Canada and that he lurks about the House of Henry
Haywood his Father in Law on Jan Fonda's Land in the
Vicinity of this City and Lieu- Jacob Winney having offered
to apprehend the said James Clay therefore resolved that
a Warrant be made out directed to Lieu- Winney & that
he be thereby authorized to search the House of the said
Henry Haywood and all other suspicious Houses in that
Neighbourhood —
Resolved that Moses Harris Junf be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
768 State of New York
1781 Behaviour doing his Duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present War with
Great Britain —
Moses Harris Jun^ late of Dutchess County
Labourer in £ 100
Dirck Swart of Stillwater in the County of
Albany EsqT his Bail in £100
Cap- William Hun having been requested to appear
before the Board to be examined with Respect [482] to
Thomas Reed at present in Confinement appeared his
examination being taken is in the words following (to wit)
(see Examination on File)
Adjourned —
Met Albany 23? Aug* 1781 — -
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( n _.
T T-* T- i i Stewart Dean
Isaac D. ronda ) (
A Letter was laid before the Board by Edward Chin Esqf
from Thomas Reed setting forth that his wife has been
brought to Bed and that she is exceedingly 111 and request
ing to be released from Confinement for a few Days which
application being seconded by the said Edward Chin resolved
that for the Reason above assigned the said Thomas Reed
be liberated on entering into a Recognizance to appear on
Monday the 27- Day of August Instant at the City Hall
in this City before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies and for his good Behaviour in the mean Time —
Thomas Reed of the West District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Yeoman in. . . £500
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 769
Philip Van Rensselaer of the City of Albany 1781
EsqT his Bail in ty • - • £25°
Edward Chin of the same place Esc^also
his Bail in £250
Adjourned -
[483] Met Albany 24^ August 1781 -
Present
John M Beeckman ) ( T T^ T? i
•j Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) (
The Board having received Information that among
those Persons who took John J- Bleecker Esq- and who are
at present Prisoners at Bennington there are some who are
Inhabitants of this State and as Justice demands that they
should be punished agreeable to Law —
Therefore resolved that a Letter be wrote to his Excellency
Thomas Chittendon Esq- at Arlington requesting him to
cause the said Persons to be delivered over to the Civil
Authority of this State which Letter is in the Words follow
ing (to wit) (see Copy Letter on File)
Adjourned
Met Albany 25^? August 1781 — Aug. 25.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stewart Dean
Daniel Taylor being at his own request brought before
the Board was examined and ordered to be recommitted
The Board having received Information that Archibald
M'rNeal who by his Recognizance was restricted to the
Limits of this City has exceeded the Bounds prescribed to
him in the said Recognizance therefore resolved that his
770 State of New York
1781 Bails Thomas Shipboy and Robert M^Clallen be ordered
forthwith to deliver up to this Board [484] the said Archi
bald M'Neal ^|
Adjourned —
Aug.827. Met Albany 27^? August 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Stewart Dean
Thomas Reed appeared before the Board agreeable to the
Tenor of the Recognizance entered into by him on the 23?
Instant and requested of the Board Permission to remain
with his Family some Days longer on Account of the Illness
of his wife resolved on taking the same into Consideration
that Permission be granted him accordingly on his entering
into a Recognizance to appear on Monday the 3- day of
September next at the City Hall before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies to be of good Behaviour
during that time & not to aid, Comfort, Assist, Entertain,
harbour or hold any Correspondence either by word or
deed upon Political Matters with any Person or Persons
inimical to the Liberties of Independance of this or the
United States of America and that he do not depart the
Limits & Bounds of the Farm he at present resides on
untill he comes to make his Appearance as aforesaid —
Thomas Reed of the West District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Gentleman in . . £500
Leonard Gansevoort of the City of Albany
Esq- his Bail in £250
Cornelius Cuyler of the same place Esq-
also his Bail in £250
[485] Resolved that Adrian Bradt Jun- be discharged
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 771
from Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his .
Aug. 27.
good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there
unto required during the Continuance of the present War
with Great Britain —
Adrian Bradt Junf of the West District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. £100
John Devoe of the same Place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Resolved that Henry Haines Jun? be discharged from
Confinement on Henry Haines entering into a Recognizance
for the good Behaviour of the said Henry Haines Jun? for
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the said
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required dur
ing the continuance of the Present War with Great Britain —
Henry Haines late of Thurlough in Tryon
County Farmer as Bail for his son Henry
Haines Jun^ in £400
Resolved that John Sommer be discharged from Con
finement on Jacob Lawyer entering into a Recognizance
for the good Behaviour of the said John Sommer & for his
doing his Duty & appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the Present War with Great Britain —
Jacob Lawyer of the City of Albany on Rec
ognizance as Bail for John Sommer in ... £200
Archibald M'Neal being brought before the [486] Board
by his Bail agreeable to the order of this Board of the 25th
Instant and being interrogated as to his exceeding the
Bounds prescribed by his Recognizance and it appearing
to have been done ignorantly and with no bad design there
fore resolved that he be discharged -
772 State of New York
1781 A Letter from Hugh Mitchell Esq^ dated at Schenectady
the 14- Instant inclosing a Copy of an Examination of
Daniel Taylor now in Confinement was laid before the
Board which Letter and Examination are in the following
words (to wit) (see Letter and Examination on File)
Adjourned
1781 Met Albany 28^ August 1781 —
Aug' 28' Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Stewart Dean
Resolved that Christian Miner be discharged from Con
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his Duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the Present War with
Great Britain —
Christian Miner of New Rhraebeeck in
Tryon County Farmer in £100
Jacob Bleecker ]unr- of the City of Albany
his Bail in £100
Resolved that Frederick Merkle be discharged [487] from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present War with
Great Britain
Frederick Merkle late of Thurlough in the
County of Tryon Farmer in £100
Stephen Frederick of the West District in
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer his
Bail in .... £100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 773
Resolved that William Baker who is surety for Tames m
. Aug. 28.
Bruce be ordered forthwith to deliver up the said James
Bruce as the Board are of Opinion that he ought to be bound
in a New Recognizance —
Adjourned
Met Albany 2Qth August 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman [ ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda } ( Stewart Dean
Resolved that Earnest Fretz be discharged from Confine
ment on entering into a Recognizance. for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners of Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present War with Great Britain —
Earnest Fretz late of Thurlough in the County
of Tryon Farmer in £100
Christopher Roff of the West District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in £100
[488] Frederick Crans who was surety for Christopher
Merkle until he should be recovered of his Illness appeared
before the Board and surrendered the said Christian Merkle
and as Frederick Merkle is willing to become Bail for the
said Christian Merkle and as there are no material Charges
against him therefore resolved that he be discharged on the
said Frederick Merkle' s entering into a Recognizance for
the good Behaviour of the said Christian Merkle for doing
his duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the Con
tinuance of the present War with Great Britain.
Frederick Merkle late of Thurlough in the
County of Tryon Farmer as Bail for Chris
tian Merkle in £100
774 State of New York
1781 The Board having received Information from which they
are induced to think that the Persons living on a Place
formerly in the Possession of [blank} dimming at Kat's
Kill are endeavouring by every Means to injure the Amer
ican Cause and as their Situation is such that they have
it in their Power to afford Assistance to Parties coming from
the Enemy therefore resolved that a Letter be wrote to Col-
Du Bois at Kat's Kill requesting him to cause them to be
removed as soon as possible —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 30^ August 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Stewart Dean
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Samuel Stringer
Resolved that Coonradt Brown be discharged [489] from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies for and during the
Continuance of the present War with Great Britain —
Coenradt Brown of Thurlough in Tryon
County Farmer in £100
Johannis Rykert of Schoharie in the County
of Albany Farmer his Bail in £100
Adjourned.1
i The extant minutes end here abruptly. On August 30, 1781, the Albany
commissioners wrote to Governor Clinton about certain exchanges of pris
oners, to which he wrote a reply on September 7th. Other correspondence
between this board and the governor is extant, of a date later than the existing
minutes. For examples, see George Clinton Papers, nos. 3948, 3976,
3986, 3987, 4005, 4010, 4023, 4024, in archives of New York State Lib
rary.
APPENDIXES
775
APPENDIX I
LAWS OF NEW YORK RELATING TO THE
COMMISSIONERS FOR CONSPIRA
CIES AND THEIR POWERS
An Act appointing Commissioners for detecting and defeating
Conspiracies, and declaring their Powers. Passed the
5th of February, 1778.'
AATHEREAS the late Convention did appoint a Board of
Commissioners, for the Purpose of enquiring into,
detecting and defeating all Conspiracies, which might be
formed in this State, against the Liberties of America.
And whereas, by Reason of the present Invasion of this
State, and of the Disaffection of sundry of the Inhabitants of
the same, it will be expedient to continue the said Board;
which Experience hath shewn to be of great Use and Impor
tance. To the End therefore, that the State and the Peace
of the same, may be effectually guarded and secured, against
the wicked Machinations and Designs of the Foreign and
Domestic Foes thereof.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of New- York,
represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is hereby enacted
by the Authority of the same, That the Governor, Lieutenant
Governor, or President of the Senate, who, for the Time
being, shall administer the Government of this State, be,
and he hereby is authorised and empowered, from Time to
Time, to appoint, by Commission, by and with the Advice
> First session (1777-8), chap. 3. — Laws of New York; Poughkeepsie:
John Holt, 1782, pp. 6-7.
777
778 State of New York
and Consent of the Council of Appointment, so many Per
sons, not exceeding ten, as he shall think proper, to be Com
missioners for the Purposes aforesaid. And that the said
Commissioners, or any three of them, be, and they hereby are
authorised and empowered, to do and perform the several
Acts, Matters and Things herein after mentioned, viz. That
the said Commissioners, or any three of them, shall be,
and they hereby are authorised and empowered, to send for
Persons and Papers, and administer Oaths; and to apprehend
and confine, or cause to be apprehended and confined, in
such Manner, and under such Restrictions and Limitations,
as to them shall appear necessary, for the public Safety, all
Persons, whose going at large, shall, in the Judgment of the
said Commissioners, or any three of them, appear dangerous
to the Safety of this State. To take Bonds and Recogni
zances, from Time to Time, to the People of this State, for
the good Behaviour, safe Custody, or Appearance of such
of the said Persons, and of all others, now confined for the
like Cause, as they may think proper, in such Sums, and
upon such Conditions, as unto them shall appear expedient;
and the said Bonds and Recognizances, if forfeited, to prose
cute or to cancel and release, upon such Terms and Condi
tions; and to discharge from Confinement, any of the said
Persons absolutely, and without any Terms or Conditions,
as they may think proper. And also, from Time to Time,
to make such Provision, for the safe Custody, and comfort
able Subsistance of aU Persons, who may from Time to
Time be so confined as aforesaid, in such Manner as they
may think proper. Provided always, That by Reason or
Colour of any Thing herein contained, the said Commis
sioners, or any of them, shall not be empowered to inflict
any corporal Punishment, upon any or either of the said
Persons confined as aforesaid.
Appendix I : Laws 779
II. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That no Judge or Magistrate, shall bail any of the Persons,
who may be confined by Authority of the said Commissioners;
and that no Court shall deliver any of the Gaols, within this
State, of any Person or Persons, so confined as aforesaid,
unless such Persons, shall have been indicted, and tried
for the Offence or Offences, for which he or she, shall have
been respectively committed.
III. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That each and every of the said Commissioners, before they
shall respectively take upon them, the Exercise of the said
Office, do, before one or more of the said Commissioners,
who are hereby empowered to administer the same, take the
following Oath, viz.
" I, A.B. one of the Commissioners, according to the Form
and Effect of an Act, entitled, An Act for appointing Com
missioners for detecting and defeating Conspiracies, and
declaring their Power, appointed, do, in the Presence of
Almighty God, most solemnly promise and swear, that I
will, to the best of my Knowledge and Ability, faithfully
execute and perform, for the Benefit and Advantage of the
People of the State of New-York , all and singular the Powers
and Authorities, by Force and Virtue of the said Act, unto
me given. So help me God.["]
IV. And for as much as the Execution of the said several
Trusts, Duties and Powers, will be attended with consider
able Expence; Be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid ',
That the said Commissioners, be, and they hereby are,
authorised and empowered, from Time to Time, to draw from
the public Treasury of this State, all and every such Sum and
Sums of Money, as they shall think proper. Provided
always, That the said Commissioners, shall render a just and
true Account of the Expenditure of the several Sums of
780 State of New York
Money by them so drawn as aforesaid; and that the said
several Sums, shall not, in the Whole, exceed the sum of
Five Thousand Pounds.
V. And it be further enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That the said Commissioners shall keep regular Minutes of all
their Proceedings, in Order that the same may be submitted,
if required, to the Consideration of the Senate or Assembly, or
to such Person or Persons, as shall be, for that Purpose
appointed; and that each and every of the said Commis
sioners do receive, for every Day, in which he shall be actually
employed in the Business aforesaid, the Sum of Twenty Shil
lings, for his Trouble and Expence, in attending upon the same.
VI. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That this Act shall continue in Force, until the first Day of
November, in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven
Hundred and Seventy-Eight, and no longer.
An Act to enable the Person administering the Government of
this State for the Time being, to remove certain disaffected
and dangerous Persons and Families. Passed the 1st of
April, 1778.'
\W HERE AS divers disaffected and dangerous Persons
and Families, reside at or near the several Posts
and Passes within this State; and there is great Reason to
believe, that they communicate Intelligence to the Enemy;
I. Be it therefore enacted by the People of the State of
New- York, represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is
hereby enacted by \t\he Authority of the same, That it shall
and may be lawful, to and for the Person administering the
'First session (1777-8), chap. 27. — Laws of New York: Poughkeepsie :
John Holt, 1782, pp. 25-26.
This act is printed as collateral to and explanatory of procedure rela
tive to inimical persons.
Appendix I : Laws 781
Government of this State for the Time being, from Time to
Time, as Occasion may require, and whenever he shall judge
it necessary, for the public Safety, to cause all such dangerous
disaffected Persons and Families, as now are, or hereafter
shall happen to be resident at or near any Post, Pass or
Encampment, within this State, to be removed to such other
Place or Places within the same, as he shall deem expedient.
II. And whereas the Removal of the Persons or Families
aforesaid, may prove very prejudicial to them; // is further
enacted by the Authority aforesaid. That the Person admin
istering the Government of this State, for the Time being,
shall certify the Names of such Persons so removed, and a
Description of the Houses and Farms, from which they shall
be removed respectively, to the Commissioners of Seques
tration of the County, to which such Persons shall be re
moved; who are hereby required to put them in Possession,
on moderate Rents, of such sequestered Farms or Houses,
in the said County as may be then, or thereafter vacant;
having Respect to the Value of the Farms or Houses, from
which such Persons may have been removed; Provided,
nevertheless y That no Person or Persons, that shall be re
moved by Virtue of this Act, shall, by such Removal, gain a
Settlement in the District he, she or they may be removed to;
so as to charge such District with their Maintenance.
An Act for increasing the Number of Commissioners, for
detecting and defeating Conspiracies within this State.
Passed the 3d of April, 1778.'
AA7HEREAS by an Act, entitled, "An Act appointing
Commissioners for detecting and defeating Con
spiracies, and declaring their Powers," made and passed by
i First session (1777-8), chap. 31. — Laws of New York: Poughkeepsie :
John Holt, 1782, pp. 30-31.
782 State of New York
the Legislature of this State, the fifth Day of February last
past; it is enacted, that the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor,
or President of the Senate, who for the Time being, shall
administer the Government of this State, be, and he is thereby
authorised and empowered, from Time to Time, to appoint
by Commission, by and with the Advice and Consent of the
Council of Appointment, so many Persons, not exceeding
ten, as he shall think proper, to be Commissioners for the Pur
poses therein mentioned; And further , That the said Com
missioners, or any three of them shall be, and thereby are
empowered and authorised to do and perform the several
Acts, Matters and Things, therein after mentioned: For
increasing the Number of the said Commissioners,
I. Be it therefore enacted by the People of the State of
New- York, represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is
hereby enacted by the Authority of the same, That the Person
administering the Government of this State, for the Time
being, be, and he is hereby farther authorised and empowered
from Time to Time, to appoint in the Manner in and by the
said Act mentioned, any farther or greater Number of
Commissioners, not exceeding twenty, to be Commissioners,
with the like Trust Powers and Authorities, and under the
same Restrictions, Qualifications, Provisoes, Pay and Con
tinuance, as are mentioned in the said in part recited Act.
II. And it is further enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That the said Commissioners, or any three of them, shall be,
and they are hereby authorised and empowered, to do and
perform the several Acts, Matters and Things, mentioned in
the said in part recited Act: Any Thing in the said Act con
tained, to the Contrary thereof, in any Wise notwithstanding.
Provided always, That as many Quorums of three of the
said Commissioners, as the whole Number of thirty will
admit of, shall and may exercise the Powers and Authorities,
Appendix I : Laws 783
so reposed in them as aforesaid, at one and the same Time;
any Thing in this or the above recited Law, to the Contrary
hereof, in any Wise notwithstanding.
An Act more effectually to prevent the Mischiefs, arising from
the Influence and Example of Persons of equivocal and
suspected Characters, in this State. Passed the 3Oth of
June, 1778. 1
HERE AS certain of the Inhabitants of this State,
have, during the Course of the present cruel War,
waged by the King and Parliament of Great-Britain, against
the People of these States, affected to maintain a Neutrality,
which there is Reason to suspect was in many Instances,
dictated by a Poverty of Spirit, and an undue Attachment to
Property. And whereas divers of the said Persons, some of
whom, advocated the American Cause till it became serious,
have notwithstanding the Forebearance of their Countrymen,
and contrary to the Faith pledged by their Paroles, ungrate
fully and insidiously from Time to Time, by artful Misrep
resentations, and a subtle Dissemination of Doctrines, Fears
and Apprehensions false in themselves, and injurious to the
American Cause, seduced certain weak minded Persons from
the Duties they owed their Country: And whereas the wel
fare of this State, loudly demands that some decisive Meas
ures be taken with Respect to the said Persons; and it being
repugnant to Justice as well as good Policy, that Men should
be permitted to shelter themselves under a Government,
which they not only refused to assist in rearing, but which,
some of them daily endeavor to undermine and subvert;
And whereas, such few of the said Persons, as may have been
'First session (1777-8), chap. 47. — Laws of New York: Poughkeepsie :
John Holt, 1782, pp. 43-44.
784 State of New York
led to take a neutral Part by conscientious Doubts and
Scruples, have had more than sufficient Time to consider
and determine the same;
I. Be it enacted by the People of the State of New- York,
represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is hereby enacted
ly the Authority of the same. That the Commissioners ap
pointed for inquiring into, detecting and defeating all Con
spiracies, which may be formed in this State, against the
Liberties of America; or any three of them be, and they
hereby are authorised and strictly charged and required, to
cause all such Persons, of neutral and equivocal Characters
in this State, whom they shall think have influence sufficient
to do Mischief in it, to come before them, and to administer to
the said persons respectively, the following Oath, or if of the
People called Quakers, Affirmation, viz.
"I, A.B. do solemnly, and without any mental Reserva
tion or Equivocation whatever, swear and call God to Wit
ness; or if of the People called Quakers, affirm, that I do
believe and acknowledge, the State of New-York, to be of
Right, a Free and Independent State. And that no Au
thority or Power, can of Right, be exercised in or over the said
State, but what is, or shall be granted by or derived from the
People thereof. And further, That as a good Subject of the
said Free and Independent State of New York, I will to the
best of my Knowledge and Ability, faithfully do my Duty;
and as I shall keep or disregard this Oath. So help and deal
with me Almighty God."
II. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That if on the said Oath or Affirmation, being so tendered,
the said Person or Persons shall refuse to take the same, the
said Commissioners do forthwith remove the said Person or
Persons so refusing, to any Place within the Enemy's Lines,
and by Writing under their Hands and Seals, certify the Names
Appendix I : Laws 785
of such Person or Persons, to the Secretary of this State, who
is hereby required to Record and File the said Certificates.
III. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That if any of the said Neutrals, shall abscond or absent
himself with an apparent View to avoid the Force of this Act,
the said Commissioners shall by Notice, published in one
or more of the News-Papers of this State, demand of the
said Person or Persons, so absconding or absenting, to ap
pear before them, at such Place in this State, and at such
Time, not exceeding twenty one Days from the Time of such
Publication, as they shall assign. And further, That Default in
such Appearance, shall be adjudged to amount to and is hereby
declared to be a Refusal to take the said Oath or Affirmation.
IV. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That if any of the Persons removed to Places within the
Enemy's Lines by the said Commissioners, in pursuance of
this Act, or who having as aforesaid, absconded or absented,
shall not on Notice as aforesaid appear before the said Com
missioners, and take the Oath or Affirmation aforesaid, shall
thereafter be found in any Part of this State; such Person
or Persons so found, shall on Conviction thereof, be ad
judged guilty of Misprison of Treason.
And to the End, That this State may be in some Measure
compensated for the Injuries it has sustained, by the evil
Example or Practices of the said Neutrals, and that others
may be detered on similar Occasions, from acting a Part
so unmanly and ignominious;
V. Be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That
all Lands held in this State, on the twenty-sixth Day of
June Instant, in Fee Simple or Fee Tail, or which may
hereafter be acquired by, or devised, granted, or descend
to any of the Persons who shall refuse to take the aforesaid
Oath or Affirmation, when called upon by the said Com-
786 State of New York
missioners, shall forever thereafter, be charged with double
Taxes, in whosoever Hands the said Lands may hereafter be.
VI. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That the said Commissioners, previous to the Removal of
the said several Persons within the Enemy's Lines, shall
from Time to Time, notify the Person administering the
Government of this State for the Time being, of the several
Persons so to be removed, who is hereby authorised to de
tain and confine, such of the said persons as he shall think
proper, for the Purpose of exchanging them for any of the
Subjects of this State, in the Power of the Enemy.
VII. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaidy
That the Person administering the Government of this State
for the Time being, be, and he is hereby required to do his
best Endeavours, that this Act be fully and speedily carried
into Execution, and all Magistrates, Sheriffs and Constables,
are required to be aiding therein.
An Act for continuing the Powers of the Commissioners, for
detecting and defeating Conspiracies. Passed the 2Qth of
October, 1778.*
\\T HEREAS the Act of the Legislature of this State, for
appointing Commissioners for detecting and defeat
ing Conspiracies, and declaring their Powers; and the Act
for increasing the Number of Commissioners for detecting
and defeating Conspiracies, within this State, will expire on
the first Day of November next;
Be it therefore enacted by the People of the State of New-
York, represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is hereby
Second session (1778-9), chap. 3. — Laws of New York: Poughkeepsie :
John Holt, 1782, pp. 44-45.
Appendix I : Laws 787
enacted by the Authority of the same, That the said two sev
eral Acts, and the Powers and Authorities by them or
either of them, granted to the said Commissioners, or1 any,
and every three of them, and a Power to the said Commis
sioners, or any three of them, to remove within the Enemy's
Lines, all such Persons who in pursuance of the "Act more
effectually to prevent the Mischiefs arising from the Influence
and Example of Persons, of equivocal and suspected Char
acters in this State" have already appeared before the said
Commissioners, or any three of them, and have not taken
the Oath in the said Act contained; shall be and are hereby
continued until twenty Days after the next Meeting of the
Legislature, and a Quorum of both Houses shall be con
vened to proceed on Business. And the Treasurer of this
State, shall be, and he is hereby authorised and required
to pay to the said Commissioners, or any three of them,
such farther Sum or Sums, as they shall from Time to Time
require, to defray the Expence of the Business committed
to them, so as the Amount of such farther Sum or Sums,
shall not in the whole, exceed the Sum of Three Thousand
Pounds.
An Act to amend an Acty entitled, An Act more effectually to
prevent the Mischiefs arising from the Influence and Ex
ample of Persons of equivocal and suspected Characters in
this State, and for continuing the Powers of the Commis
sioners for detecting and defeating Conspiracies. Passed
the iyth of February, I779-2
HEREAS by the Terms of the said Law, the Com
missioners therein mentioned, are required on Re-
1 Misprinted " ur " in Holt's edition.
2 vSecond session (1778-9), chap. 10. — Laws of New York: Poughkeepsie :
John Holt, 1782, p. 49.
y88 State of New York
fusal of any Person or Persons, to take the Oath or Affirma
tion therein prescribed, forthwith to remove the said Person
or Persons so refusing, to any Place within the Enemy's
Lines;
And whereas sound Policy and common Chanty require,
that every Person so refusing, should be admitted to take
the said Oath or Affirmation, if he or she shall, notwith
standing such Refusal, voluntarily offer to take the same,
before the Commencement of his or her actual Removal;
I. Be it therefore enacted by the People of the State of
New- York, represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is
hereby enacted by the Authority of the same, That every
Person who has already refused, or shall hereafter refuse
to take the said Oath or Affirmation, and shall, before the
actual Commencement of his or her Removal as aforesaid,
voluntarily offer to take the said Oath or Affirmation, before
any three of the said Commissioners, shall be admitted to
take the same, and on taking thereof, shall be, and hereby
is declared to be fully and wholly absolved from the Penal
ties of the said Law, such former Refusal, or any Thing in
the said Law, to the Contrary in any Wise notwithstanding.
Provided always. That nothing herein contained, shall ex
tend or apply to the Cases of those who by Virtue of the
said Law, now are or shall hereafter be detained and con
fined, by the Person administering the Government of this
State for the Time being, for the Purpose of Exchanging
them for any of the Subjects of this State, in the Power of
the Enemy.
II. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That all and singular the Powers and Authorities, vested in
the said Commissioners, are hereby continued until twenty
Days after the next Meeting of the Legislature, and a
Quorum of both Houses shall be convened on Business, in
Appendix I : Laws 7 89
like Manner as the same are continued in and by an Act,
entitled, t%An Act for continuing the Powers of the Commis
sioners for detecting and defeating Conspiracies" passed the
29th Day of October last: And the Treasurer of this State
shall be, and he is hereby authorised and required, to pay
to the said Commissioners, or any three of them, such fur
ther Sum or Sums, as they shall from Time to Time require,
to defray the Expence of the Business committed to them,
so as the Amount of such further Sum or Sums, shall not
in the Whole, exceed the Sum of Three Thousand Pounds.
An Act for reviving the Powers of the Commissioners for
detecting and defeating Conspiracies, and for other Pur
poses therein mentioned. Passed the 1st of October, 1779. *
the Act of the Legislature of this State,
entitled, "An Act for appointing Commissioners, for
detecting and defeating Conspiracies, and declaring their
Powers;" and the Act entitled, "An Act for increasing the
Number of Commissioners for detecting and defeating Con
spiracies, within this State" did expire in twenty Days after
the present Meeting of the Legislature, and a Quorum of
both Houses convened to proceed on Business;
I. Be it enacted by the People of the State of New- York,
represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is hereby enacted
by the Authority of the same, That the said two Acts, and
the Powers and Authorities by them or either of them
granted, to the said Commissioners, or any and every three
of them, shall be and are hereby revived, and shall continue
and be in full Force until twenty Days after the first Day
of the next Meeting of a Quorum of the Legislature, and
1 Third session (1779-80), chap. 7. — Laws of New York: Poughkeepsie :
John Holt, 1782, p. 76.
790 State of New York
the Treasurer of this State is hereby authorised and
required, out of such Monies as may be in the Treasury,
to pay to the said Commissioners, or any three of them,
such further Sum or Sums, as they shall from Time to
Time require, to defray the Expence of the Business
committed to them, so as the Amount of such Sum or Sums,
shall not in the whole, exceed the sum of Four Thousand
Pounds.
And whereas the said Commissioners, or some Quorum
or Quorums of them, may have done and performed divers
Acts, Matters and Things, in and respecting their several
and respective Offices and Places, since the Expiration of
the said Laws, and by Reason thereof, the Legality and
Validity of the said Acts, Matters and Things, may be
drawn into Question;
II. Be it therefore enacted by the Authority aforesaidy
That all and singular the said Acts, Matters and Things, shall
be as good, valid and effectual in the Law, to all Intents,
Constructions and Purposes whatsoever, as if the said Laws
had not expired by their own respective Limitations, but had
been in full Force and Effect, at and immediately before the
passing of this Law; any Thing in the said Laws or either of
them to the Contrary hereof, in any Wise notwithstanding.
And whereas in and by the said two recited Acts, no Pro
vision is made to enable the Council of Appointment, from
Time to Time, to remove any one or more of the said
Commissioners, and appoint other or others in his or their
Stead,
III. Be it enacted ly the Authority aforesaid. That the
said Power and Authority of Removal and Appointment, is
and are hereby fully vested in the said Council, to be exercised
by them, from Time to Time, in their Discretion, to all In
tents, Constructions and Purposes in the Law whatsoever.
Appendix I : Laws 791
An Act to authorise any two Justices of the Peace, to enlarge
Persons who shall desert from the Enemy, and for other
Purposes therein mentioned. Passed March I3th, 1780.*
I. DE it enacted by [the] People of the State of New- York,
represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is
hereby enacted by the Authority of the same, That whenever
any Person, who shall have come from within the Lines of the
Enemy, shall be confined in the common Gaol of any County
within this State; it shall and may be lawful, for any two
Justices of the Peace of such County, to enlarge the Person so
confined, upon his or her entering into Recognizance to the
People of this State, either with or without Surety; and in
such Sum or Sums as the said Justices, in their Discretion,
shall deem proper: The Condition of which Recognizance
shall be, that he or she will appear at the next Court of
Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery, to be held in
and for such County; or that he or she shall reside at the
Place, and within the Bounds within this State, to be assigned
by the said two Justices; or that he or she shall be of good
Behaviour, during the present War. And the said Justices
may in their Discretion, insert one or more of the foregoing
Conditions in such Recognizance. Provided, That such
Justices shall not, by Virtue of this Act, enlarge any Person
who shall be in Custody, by Virtue of a Warrant under the
Hand and Seal of any Judge of the Supreme Court; nor any
Person whose going at large will, in the Opinion of such Jus
tices, be dangerous to the State. And provided also, That
nothing in this Act contained, shall be construed to excuse
any Person, so enlarged on Recognizance, from doing Duty
in the Militia of this State; nor shall his Absence from the
Place assigned by such Justices, for his Residence while on
1 Third session (1779-80), chap. 58. — Laws of New York: Poughkeepsie :
John Holt, 1782, p. 127.
792
State of New York
Command in the Militia, be deemed a Breach of such Recog
nizance.
II. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That whenever any Person shall desert from the Army of the
Enemy, or come over from within their Lines, and shall vol
untarily surrender himself or herself to a Justice of the
Peace, it shall and may be lawful for such Justice to call to
his Assistance one other Justice of the same County, and to
bind the Person so surrendering himself or herself, in Recog
nizance, and deal with him in all Respects as is before di
rected for Persons in actual Custody; which Recognizance
shall be subject to the Provisoes mentioned in the preceding
Clause. Provided, That nothing in this Act contained, shall
be construed to prevent any Person from being apprehended
and dealt with according to Law, for any Offence com
mitted after such Person shall have left the Enemy's
Lines.
Whereas the several Laws, relating to the Commissioners
for enquiring into, detecting and defeating all Conspiracies
which may be formed in this State, against the liberties of
America, are now expired;
And whereas there are several Persons now confined by
Order of the said Commissioners, and several Persons are
bound by Recognizance, taken before the said Commis
sioners: To the End therefore, that Provision may be made
in the Premises;
III. Be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That
it shall be lawful for any three Persons who were such Com
missioners, in their Discretion, to discharge the several Per
sons so in actual Confinement, without Bail, or upon the said
Persons respectively entering into Recognizance, with or
without Surety, for their respective Appearance at any Court
of Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery, to be held
Appendix I : Laws 793
in and for any County within this State; and to discharge
any Recognizances heretofore taken before the said Com
missioners, except such Recognizances as may have been
taken for the Appearance of any Person or Persons, at any
Court of Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery;
and that the Powers of the said Commissioners shall be
revived, and hereby are continued for the several Purposes
aforesaid accordingly.
IV. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That this Act shall continue in Force, until thirty Days after
the rising of the Legislature, at their next Meeting.
An Act to revive the Laws appointing Commissioners for
detecting and defeating Conspiracies. Passed June 1 4th,
1780.'
"\A7HE RE AS the Act "for appointing Commissioners for
detecting and defeating Conspiracies, and declaring
their Powers" passed the fifth Day of February, 1778; and
the Act "/or increasing the Number of Commissioners for
detecting and defeating Conspiracies within this State,"
passed the third Day of April, 1778, are expired;
And whereas there is great Reason to apprehend that
Emissaries from the Enemy are lurking in different Parts of
the State, and that the disaffected Inhabitants are conspiring
against the public Peace and Safety: By Reason whereof, it
hath become necessary to revive the Powers of the said Com
missioners;
Be it therefore enacted by the People of the State of New-
York, represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is hereby
1 Third session (1779-80), chap. 62. — Laws of New York: Poughkeepsie :
John Holt, 1782, p. 131.
794 State of New York
enacted by the Authority of the same, That the said two Acts
and the Powers and Authorities by them or either of them
granted to the Commissioners appointed or to be appointed
by Virtue of the said Acts, or any and every three of them
shall be, and are hereby revived, and shall continue and
be in full Force during the Continuance of the present War
with Great-Britain. That each Commissioner shall be
allowed for each Day he shall be actually employed in the
Execution of the said Office, the Sum of Fourteen Shillings
of the Money to be issued, agreeable to the Resolutions of
Congress, of the eighteenth Day of Anarch last; and that the
Treasurer of this State shall, out of any Monies which may be
in the Treasury, advance to the said Commissioners, or any
three of them, such Sum or Sums, as they shall from Time to
Time require, to defray the Expence of the Business hereby
committed to them, not exceeding in the Whole, the Sum of
Two Thousand Pounds of like Money aforesaid.
An Act for the Removal of the Families of Persons who have
joined the Enemy. Passed the 1st of July, lySo.1
HE RE AS many and great Mischiefs do arise, by per
mitting the Families of Persons who have joined the
Enemy, to remain at their respective Habitations, inasmuch
as such Persons frequently come out in a private Manner, to
gain Intelligence and commit Robberies, Thefts and Mur
ders, upon the good People of this State, and are concealed
and comforted by their respective Families;
I. Be it therefore enacted by the People of the State of
New- York, represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is
1 Third session (1779-80), chap. 76. — Laws of New York: Poughkeepsie:
John Holt, 1782, pp. 143-144.
Appendix I : Laws 795
hereby enacted by the Authority of the same, That the Justices
of the Peace, resident in each Ward, Town, Manor, Precinct
and District, within this State, shall notify the Wives of all
such Persons, as aforesaid, that they depart this State within
twenty Days after such Notice, or repair to such Parts of it as
are within the Power of the Enemy; and at their Discretion
to take with them all or any of their Children, not above the
Age of twelve Years: That for the Want of a Justice of the
Peace in any Ward, Town, Manor, Precinct or District, the
Supervisor, and for Want of a Supervisor, the Commis
sioners for detecting and defeating Conspiracies, shall cause
such Notice to be given, as aforesaid.
II. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That in Case any of the Persons aforesaid, shall, after the Space
of twenty Days after such Notice, be found in any Part of this
State; they shall and are hereby declared to be out of the
Protection of the Laws of this State; and shall be liable
to be proceeded against as Enemies of this and the United
States:
Provided nevertheless, That this Law shall not extend to
affect such of the said Persons as shall procure Permits to
remain at their respective Habitations, from under the Hands
and Seals of any three of the Commissioners for detecting and
defeating Conspiracies, within this State.
III. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That the several Justices of the Peace, or Supervisor as afore
said, shall, immediately after Notice shall be given to the
several Persons aforesaid, to depart this State, give Infor
mation to some one Board of Commissioners as aforesaid,
of all such Persons as aforesaid, together with the Characters
of the said Persons respectively; and the said Commissioners
are hereby authorised to give Permits as aforesaid, to any of
the said Persons, which they may esteem of good Character,
796 State of New York
and not dangerous to the Liberties and Independence o
and the United States.
An Act to accommodate the Inhabitants of the Frontiers with
Habitations, and for other Purposes therein mentioned.
Passed March 22d, lySi.1
I. IDE it enacted by the People of the State of New- York,
represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is hereby
enacted by the Authority of the same, That it shall be lawful
to and for the Person administering the Government of
this State for the Time being, or such Person or Persons as
he shall authorise for the Purpose, in their Discretion, and
by Licence under their Hands respectively, upon an Appli
cation on Behalf of any Number of Families, not less than
three, to permit the said several Families on whose Behalf
such Application shall be made, to possess and occupy to
and for their Use, such unoccupied Houses, Farms, Lands
or Tenements, lying on the Frontiers of, this State, as the
Person or Persons granting such Licence, shall appoint and
deem most convenient, for the Purpose of accommodating
the Families on whose Behalf such Application shall be
made; and that the said several Families shall, by Virtue
of such Licence, be authorised to take Possession of, occupy,
and improve such Houses, Farms, Lands or Tenements, as
shall be specified in the said Licence; and that it shall in
like Manner, be lawful for the Person administering the
Government for the Time being, or such other Person as
shall grant any such Licence, whenever they shall respec
tively deem the Necessity which induced the Granting
thereof to cease, to revoke any or every such Licence; and
* Fourth session (1780-81), chap. 35. — Laws of New York: Poughkeepsie :
John Holt, 1782, pp. 180-181.
Appendix i : Laws 797
that each and every Person, in whose favour such Licence
shall be granted, who shall not within twenty Days after such
Revocation, remove from the said Houses, Farms, Lands
or Tenements, which he or she was so permitted to possess,
occupy and improve, shall be deemed as Trespassers from
the Beginning, and as such, shall be liable to an Action, at
the Suit of the Person in whose Possession such Houses,
or Farms, Lands or Tenements were, before the granting
such Licence, his or her Heirs and Assigns; and that each
and every Person in whose Favour such Licence shall be
granted, who shall hold over, after the Revocation of such
Licence, shall and may be proceeded against upon the
Statutes of forcible Entry and Detainer, by the Person in
Possession of such Houses, Farms, Lands or Tenements,
immediately before the granting of such Licence, his or her
Heirs or Assigns: And further That it shall be lawful for
the Person administering the Government, to cause any
Houses or other Buildings, on the Frontiers of this State,
to be fortified, and to be taken and held as Posts or Fort
resses, for such Time and in such Manner, as he shall deem
necessary and expedient.
Provided always, that nothing herein contained shall be
construed to prevent the Person so in Possession, before
the granting of the Licence, from possessing, occupying and
improving an equal and proportional Part of such Houses,
Farms, Lands or Tenements, with the several Families in
whose Favour such Licence shall be granted: And pro
vided also, That if any Person in whose favour such Licence
shall be granted, shall commit any unnecessary Waste or
Destruction in such Houses, Farms, Lands or Tenements,
they shall severally and respectively, with respect to such
Waste, be deemed as Trespassers, and as such shall be sub
ject to an Action, at the Suit of the Person so in Possession
7g8 State of New York
as aforesaid, immediately before the granting of the Licence,
his or her Heirs or Assigns.
And whereas certain disaffected Subjects, who reside on
the Frontiers of this State, privately maintain, comfort, and
aid the Enemy, in their Incursions on the said Frontiers,
and the public Safety requires that they should be com
pelled to remove from their respective Habitations, to the
interior Parts of the State;
II. Be it therefore further enacted by the Authority afore
said, That it shall and may be lawful, to and for the Person
administering the Government of this State for the Time
being, or the Brigadier, or commanding Officer of the Bri
gade of Militia; or where the Militia is not formed into a
Brigade, a Majority of the Field-Officers of the Regiment
within which such disaffected Persons shall reside, to cause
all such Persons and Families, as he or they shall deem
dangerous and disaffected, and as now are, or hereafter
shall be resident and inhabiting on the said Frontiers, to
be removed from their respective Habitations, to the inte
rior Parts of the State.
And whereas it may be necessary to remove or destroy
the Stock, Grain, or Forage, in many Parts of the Frontiers,
in order to prevent the same from falling into the Hands of,
or from being applied to the Comfort and Subsistence of the
Enemy;
III. Be it therefore further enacted by the Authority afore
said, That it shall be lawful for the Person administering
the Government for the Time being, from Time to Time,
in his Discretion, to order and direct all or any Part of the
Stock, Grain, or Forage, at any Place or Places on the
Frontiers, to be removed to such other Places as he shall
direct; and in Case such Stock, Grain or Forage, cannot
conveniently be removed, or if the Person possessing the
Appendix I : Laws 799
same, shall refuse to remove such Stock, Grain or Forage,
then to order and direct the same to be destroyed.
IV. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That it shall be lawful for the Commissioners for defeating
and detecting Conspiracies, and each of them, or such
other Person or Persons as shall be authorised for the Pur
pose by the Person administering the Government, for to
notify the Wives of all Persons who have voluntarily gone
over to and joined, or shall hereafter voluntarily go over to
and join the Enemy, to depart this State in like Manner as
the Justices of the Peace and Supervisors, in the respective
Wards, Towns, Manors, Districts or Precincts, are author
ised in and by the Act, entitled, "An Act for the Removal of
the Families of Persons who have joined the Enemy" And
further, That it shall be lawful for the said Commissioners,
and each of them, and each of the said several Persons so
to be authorised as aforesaid, to take and sell all the Goods
and Chattels in the Possession of the Wives of Persons who
have voluntarily gone over to and joined, or shall hereafter
go over to and join the Enemy, and to apply the Monies
arising therefrom, to defraying the Expence of removing
such Wives, and such of their respective Children as are
not above twelve Years of Age, within the Lines of the
Enemy — And that the said Commissioners and other Per
sons, who shall take and sell any such Goods and Chattels
as aforesaid, shall account for the Expenditure of the said
Monies with the Auditor-General of this State.
8oo State of New York
An Act to repeal an Act, entitled, "An Act to revive the Laws
appointing Commissioners for detecting and defeating Con-
s piracies, and to give certain Powers to Magistrates and
Courts, in Cases therein mentioned. Passed 2yth March,
1783.'
I. jT>E // enacted by the People of the State of New-
York, represented in Senate and Assembly, and
it is hereby enacted by the Authority of the same, That the
Act, entitled, "An Act to revive the Laws appointing Com
missioners for detecting and defeating Conspiracies," shall
be, and the same is hereby repealedf.]
II. And be it further enacted by tJie Authority aforesaid,
That the Commissioners aforesaid shall, forthwith after the
passing of this Act, deliver the Recognizances by them
taken, and not forfeited, to the Clerk of the Court of Gen
eral Sessions of the Peace of the County in which the same
were taken; and the Person or Persons bound by such
Recognizances, shall be subject to the Directions of, and be
compelled to appear before the said Sessions, in like Man
ner as they were respectively required by Law to subject
themselves to the Direction of, and were compellable to ap
pear by the said Recognizances before such Commissioners,
and such Recognizances shall to all Intents and Purposes
have the like Effect, and be estreated or discharged in the
same Manner as if the same Had been entered into before
such Court of Sessions,
III. And oe it further enacted by the AutJionty aforesaid,
That the said Commissioners shall, as soon as may be,
deliver all such Recognizances, as may have become for
feited to the People of this State, to the Clerk of the Su-
1 Sixth session (1782-83), chap. 51. — Laws of Kew York: Pou^hkecpsic:
John Holt, 1783, pp. 298-299.
Appendix I : Laws
premc Court; to the Kncl that Prosecutions may be insti
tuted for Recovery of the same.
IV. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That the said Commissioners shall exhibit their Accounts to
the Auditor, on or before the first Monday of August next,
that the same may be ascertained and settled; and it is
hereby made the Duty of the Auditor to report to the Legis
lature, at their next Meeting after the said first Monday in
August, the Amount of such Accounts respectively.
V. And be it further enacted l>y the Authority aforesaid,
That the said Commissioners shall, on or before the first
Day of May next, make Return to a Justice of the Peace
of the County in which such Commissioners reside, of the
Names of the Persons by them committed, and the Causes
of such Committment, that the said Justice may take Order
thereon in due Form of Law That no Person committed
by the said Commissioners, shall be discharged before the
first day of May next.
VI. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That it shall and may be lawful, to and for any Justice; of
the Peace within this State, to cause to be arrested and
brought before him, any Person who shall come within his
Jurisdiction, out of any Place in the Power of the Knemy,
and to require sufficient Security for the Appearance of the
Offender at the next Court of General Sessions of the Peace
to be held for the County where such Offender shall be
apprehended; and for his good Behaviour in the mean Time;
and for the Want of such Security, to commit such Offender
to the common Gaol, there to remain until he shall find
such Security, or until the next General Sessions of the
Peace where the Recognizance or Mittimus, as the Case
may be, shall be returned, and which Recognizance or Mit
timus shall respectively set forth, that the Offender, bound
802 State of New York
over or committed, had without lawful Authority come
within the Jurisdiction of such Justice, out of a Place within
the Power of the Enemy; and thereupon it shall and may
be lawful, to and for the Court of General Sessions of the
Peace to commit such Offender to the common Gaol, there
to remain until the then next Court of Oyer and Tefminer
and General Gaol Delivery in the County, to answer unto
all such Matters and Things as shall then and there be ob
jected against such Offender (unless he shall be sooner
thence discharged by due Course of Law) or the said Court
of General Sessions of the Peace may take Surety accord
ing to their Discretion, for the Appearance of the Offender at
such Court of Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol De
livery, as aforesaid, then and there to answer in Manner
aforesaid; or the said Court of General Sessions of the
Peace may take Surety only for the good Behaviour of the
Offender, or may permit him to go at large without Surety,
as the said Court in their Discretion shall judge fit:
Provided always, That nothing in this Act contained, shall
be construed in any Wise to restrain the Supreme Court of
Judicature of this State, or any of the Justices of the said
Court, from dealing with such Offender according to the
Law, for any Crime of which such Offender may be accused
or indicted before the said Court, or with which such
Offender may be charged before any Justice of the said
Court.
x>v
C -t- \ iS — —
Certified Pay- Bill of Leonard Gansevoort, Jr. as Secretary to the
Albany Board, 1778-1783
(One-half reduced)
APPENDIX II
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS.
This appendix is devoted to transcripts of the financial
accounts of the entire body of commissioners for detecting
and defeating conspiracies. It is the result of a careful page
for page examination of manuscript records of the State
Auditor and State Treasurer, now in the archives of the
New York State Library. The Audited Accounts are by far
the most important, because they are engrossed entries copied
from the statements, bills or receipts which received approval
from the State Auditor, and preserve full data. The Day
Book and Accounts of the State Treasurer give the record of
actual payment, but in much briefer form. Liquidation of
these claims was not completed during the period of the war —
hence the examination had to be prosecuted through subse
quent years. Taken together, these records are believed to
show, substantially, a complete account of the expenses of the
commissioners in the seven counties in which they operated
as a State body. It has not been deemed of value to print the
co-ordinate bookkeeping records of these two State officers,
from ledgers and journals. A conspectus of extant records
follows :
STATE AUDITOR.
Audited Accounts, A and B, two folio volumes.
Book "A" contains the audits from May 22, 1782 to
March 17, 1786. Book "B" contains those from March 18,
1786 to October 31, 1794. The dates are dates of audit of
claims which begin as early as May, 1775.
804 State of New York
Journal, two folio volumes.
Vol. i: June 17, 1775 to December, 1785.
Vol. 2: January, 1786 to January, 1794.
STATE TREASURER
Day Book, folio. — Vol. 2: April i, 1778 to September
20, 1784.
Accounts, three composite folio volumes.
Vol. i: May 31, 1775 to December 31, 1780.
Vol. 2: January 4, 1781 to December 31, 1785.
Vol. 3: January 3, 1786 to January 10, 1797.
Journal, two folio volumes.
Vol. i: May 31, 1775 to October 2, 1782.
Vol. 2: September 18, 1778 to September 20, 1784.
Ledger (bound with "Auditor's Journal " ) covers from May
31, 1775 to December 31, 1782.
The original receipts or other vouchers, mounted in a
ponderous volume, are in the office of the State Comptroller,
in Revolutionary Manuscripts, vol. 40. They are somewhat
in a disarranged state, and many of them have suffered ma
terial mutilation by being cut down. By this unjustifiable
process many indorsements and voucher numbers, relative
to entries in the volumes of Audited Accounts, have been
lost, whilst others are destroyed by the process of mounting
them.
Audited State of New York To the Secretary
Accounts [Robert Harpur] D
(HYSL) ?° ^30 daysasComf of Conspiracy @ 14.7 .... 161 — „ -
By Cash 4*8-
156
Audited i8th July 1783
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
805
Audited The State of New York Dr in Acco1 with Henry
Accounts
A: 24
(NYSL)
Williams as Commissioner for defeating Con
spiracies —
For my Services for the days on which I was
actually employ'd as Commissioner for de
feating & detecting Conspiracies between 6th
Septr 1780 & ist Jany 1783 being 247 days
at i4/ allow'd by Act 14 June 1780
247 days @ I4/ 172 /y 18
1783 Jan
th
th
14. 8"" Feby 2otn & 26
4 days @ i4/. . . .
th
March
2 // *6 —
Audited iSth July 1783
Audited State of New York to Gilbert Livingston
Accounts TQ my Services fcr the days on which i was
Df
A: 24
(NYSL)
actually employ'd aj Comf for detecting &
th day of Jany 1783 bein
dav . .
defeating Conspiracies between 23
1780 & the 6
days @ i4/
Credit
1780
Decr 2 By Cash rece'd . . .
Augfc
237
163 „ 18 —
16 —
Audited i8th July 17
Audited
Accounts
A : 29-30
(NYSL)
State of New Ycrk to Brinton Paine, Joseph
McCracken, Peiatiah Fitch Senf & Alexr
McNutt Commissioners for detecting & de
feating Conspiracies D?
1781, April 12. Brinton Paine, Two Daysl
attending & One Days travel at i4/ $ >
day J 2 „ 2
Joseph McCracken Two Days ditto i „ 8 „
Alex!" McNutt Two Days ditto i lt 8 „
May 22. Brinton Paine, Jof McCracken &'j
Alexr McNutt One Day each & Paine One I
day travel J 2 u 16 „ —
175
163
8o6
State of New York
Audited
Accounts
A : 29-30
(NYSL)
Audited
Accounts
A: 36
(NYSL)
•* 29. The same Two days each, except )
Brinton Paine One Day only @ i^f j
Septr 6. The same The same
To an Express from White Creek to Saratoga . .
8. To ditto
10. To ditto to Little White Creek
1 6. To sending Two Expresses to Benning-1
ton from White Creek & there waiting One >
Day extraordinary J
1782, May 8, 9, 10. McCracken, McNutt &
Fitch 3 days each
17. The same One Day each
1783, Feby 28. Fitch & McNutt, One Day each
To a Clerk 12 Days @ i4/
Decf 31. McCracken, McNutt & Fitch i day
each
To Sundries paid for Expence of Prisoners. .
To Money paid to Persons for private intel- )
ligence j
Audited 4th Feby 1784
3 // //
18 H —
State of New York to Ebenezer Purdy, Israel
Honeywell, Joseph Strang, Nathan Rock
well & Philip Leek for incidental Expences
& services done as ComF3 of Conspiracies in
West Chester County Dr
1781, Jany. To Cash paid Expences of a Guard Continental
to carry Peter Ferris to Poughkeepsie Goal. .,£125 u 12 u —
Febry. To d° to carry 3 dangerous Persons )
to Poughkeepsie Goal j
March. To d° to carry a dangerous Man to d° .
April. To d° p for carrying Abraham Whit- )
120, — „ —
32 // — „ —
more a disaffected Man to ditto
May. To d° paid a Guard of 3 Men to carry
Smith & Skenkly to Goal
80 „ — ,, —
256 u — // —
Continental ,£613 /y 12 „ —
46
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
807
Audited
Accounts
A: 36
(NYSL)
Exchange at 40 for i is Specie 15 „ 6 „ 9
June. To Cash pd a Guard for their Expence |
to carry sundry dangerous Persons to >
Poughkeepsie Goal J 8 u 8 „ —
To d° pd Jesse Brush Expence of Guard tol
attend the Commissrs during the time of >
their sitting J 2 u 1 2 H —
To d° One Quire of Paper 3 //
To d° Andrew Brown to go below the Lines )
after a dangerous Person ^ 3 „ 4 //
To John Drake for the Expence of a Guard )
to take Care of Prisoners ) 3 a 6 „ 6
To Cash for Expense of a Man to go to Pough- j
keepsie to the Governor ) i a 1 2 „
34//I2,, 3
To 55 days Wages for EbenT Purdy at i4/ 38 u 10 „ —
51 .... d° .... Israel Honeywell 35 „ 14 „ —
16 .... d° ... .Joseph Strang 1 1 // 4 // —
27. .. .d°. . . .Nathan Rockwell 23 u 18 u —
5 d° Philip Leak 3 „ ioa —
147 // 8/7
C:
1784, Jany 29. By Cash reced of Treasurer by
Ebenezer Purdy 20 „ — „
Audited March 19th 1784 —
Audited State of New York to Alexr Webster Ebenr
Accounts
A: 40
(NYSL)
Clark, Alexr McNutt & John McClung
Commiss1"3 of Conspiracy in the County of
Charlotte for incidental Expences & Services
1778, May 2. To Cash pd Continental
J. Doty $ Vouchr &3 // 4 /, -
30. To d° Josha Conkey . 3 // 4 // -
June 7. Tod° Beach 1^12,,— ..
Dr
7 // 9i
6 // i^
12 — *
8o8
State of New York
Audited Augt 5. To. . . .d° pd Alexr
Accounts
A: 40
(NYSL)
Inmitt [sic] 9 „ 12 u — \ . . 3 « 5 // 6
To.... d° Ebenr Clark ia 4 u -
1 8. To d° pd Reuben Turner - 16 — ]
21. To d° ....Gershom \ . . - 19 „ $'.
Woodward 2 a 16 a — J
Septr i. To d° pd Robert
Armstrong 5 u i y/ — ) . . i „ 9 u g
2. To d°. . . .William Lyll. . 18 — J
Decr 2 To d° pd Robert Gilly 1 2 -
Tod° ....d°& Wilson. ... 3, 4,— f.. i „ 7
To d° Alexr Simpson 4 „ 16 „ —
1779, Jany 5. To d° pd John
Armstrong — 16 •
8. To d° James Henderson 2 u 8 u 6
9. To d° John Hursdon — 8 •
To d° Alexr Turner i u 4 -
April 21. To d° pd John
Hunsdon 7 u 18 „ 2
July 1 6. To d° pd Edward
Savage 4 „ 16 „ 6 6 lt 2\\
To d° pd Robert Stewart in hard Money 6 „ 12 „ —
To 101 days Service as Comr by Alexr Web
ster on the first Act passed 5th Feby
1778 @ 2O/ Cont! is 12/6 Specie; all ^ 63 /y •> „ 6
before the 27th March 1783 when the
Act was repeald
To 90 days service by Ebenezer Clark @ 1 2/6 56 „ 5
To 132 daysd0 by Alexr McNutt. .12/6 82 a 10
To 1 38 days d° by John McClung 1 2/6 86 „ 5
306 a 15
Cr
1778, June 3. By cash from Matthew Fisher1
at 265 Cont! to 100 hard 1 50 1 8
Audited April 13th 1784
15^
The correct form of the name is the Dutch equivalent Visscher.
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
809
Audited state of New York to Andrew Rynex Dr
Accounts -.
A : 1 08 *° attending the Commissioners of Conspiracy as Con-
(NYSL) stable in the District of Schenectady in the Year 1781
Nine Days at 6/ $ day
Audited 12th October 1784
Audited State °f New York to Reynier Mynderse Dr
Accounts For attending as Commissioner of Conspiracy in the Years )
A : 1780, 1781 & 1782 Eighty Day sat 1 4/ $ day j
Audited 12th October 1784
(NYSL)
Dr
Audited State of New York to Hugh Mitchell
A * 108 ^or a*tendmg as Commissioner of Conspiracy In the Years
(NYSL) 1780, 1781 & 1782 Ninety Five Days @ 14.7
Audited 12th October 1784
D'
Audited State of New York to Abraham Oothout
A : 112 For attending as Commissioner of Conspiracy in the Years
(NYSL) 1780, 1781 & 1782. . . .86 days @ i4/ ^ day
To Necessaries provided for a Party of Men under the Com
mand of Major Wemple as $ Bill
Audited October i8th 1784
2
H
56
—
66
10
60
4
i
18
^62
2
The State of New York in Account Current whit [sic] the Commissioners for
detecting and defeating Conspiracies.1
Accounts Vouchers for money paid
A : 147 N? i Isaiah Butler
(NYSL) ^ 2 Rutger Bleecker
a 3 Justicia van Hoesen2
„ 4 Commissioners of Charlotte County
„ 5 Jonathan Beacraft
£10
20
1
400
1 The original statement in the handwriting of Leonard Gansevoort, Jr.,
is in Revolutionary MSS., vol. 40, p. 159, in the office of the State Comptroller,
and is more accurate as to names. Serious errors are here pointed out hi
annotations.
2 Justice Van Hoesen.
8io
State of New York
Audited
Accounts
A : 147
(NYSL)
N° 6 Peter Bont I £3! 4
u 7 Burger Blauw1 31 4 -
8 Jacob Wiltse 4
u 9 Joseph Gilford I 17 2! 4
u 10 Jacob van Valkenburgh I 12 16
„ 1 1 Isaac Shelden , 5 10: -
„ 12 Cornelius C Muller !| 4
„ 13 Cloude van Deusen > 4
„ 14 Richard Bronck
a 15 Cornelius van Deusen
it 1 6 Leonard Gansevoort Junior 16 i
a 17 Cornelius Humfrey I 14
„ 19 Christopher Hawk — 16
„ 18 Cornelius Humfrey I 6 2! -
y/ 20 John Smith j j 40
u 21 Leonard Gansevoort Junior \ i 4
„ 22 Wilhelmus Haines i i 4; -
H 23 Isaac A. Fonda ! 21 4 -
„ 24 John Seton I 5
a 25 Cornelius Humfrey 7 2 S
v 26 John Smith j 6
„ 27 Mathew Aerson I 8
„ 28 John Ryley I 460
y/ 29 John Sloss — 1 6' —
;/ 30 James Knowles 4 16 -
„ 31 Cornelius Groesbeeck 4
„ 32 Samuel Lauden2 2
„ 33 Cornelius Humfrey 4
„ 34 Daniel Kettle j 3
„ 35 Christopher Hawk 3 4! —
" 36 Clyne and Robinson3 26 8{ -
// 37 Jacob Klyne4 ; 1 1
a 38 John Ryley 7 16; -
/; 39 Samuel Shaw 5
u 40 John Vischer 34
1 Burger Clauw.
2 Samuel Loudon, the printer.
• Robison.
< Kline.
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
811
Audited
Accounts
A : 147
(NYSL)
1 Myndert A. Wemple.
2 Porter.
s Colbreath.
«Hoit or Hayt.
6 Samuel I. Ten Broeck
N? 41 Samuel Loadman ,£5 15
„ 42 Stephen Bell 16 17
u 43 Isaac Bogert 27 6
a 44 David van Rensselaer 15 14
a 45 Peter Gunsalis 92 15
u 46 Cornelius C: vanden Bergh 63 13
u 47 John Lansing Junior 20
a 48 Leonard Gansevoord Junior 18
a 49 Ab1? Lansing & Ab1? vanden Berg 98 5
u 50 Alexander Anderson 8
a 51 Isaac Goes 5
/; 52 Stephen Bell 24 12
„ 53 John H: Beeckman 19 16
a 54 Cornelius Humfrey 42
4I 55 Hugh Mitchell 43
a 56 Myndert Wemple1 4
4I 57 Robert Smith i 4
„ 58 Wesse^ "n Schaick 26
„ 59 Volkert Dawson 13 i /
y/ 60 Stephen Bell 25 4
„ 61 John Smith 20
a 62 Jeremiah van Rensselaar 6 8
„ 63 Col: Porters2 36
u 64 Cornelius C : Miller 34! 2
„ 65 Stephen Viele 16
lt 66 Christopher P: Yates 166 4
„ 67 Stephen Bell 47
u 68 Denis M: Carty 4
„ 69 William Colbrath3 20
/; 70 Peter Magee 27 10
a 71 Jonathan Sever 2
H 72 Philip Conine 100
a 73 Stephen Hoyt< 25
u 74 Samuel T: ten Broeck5 10 2
812
State of New York
Audited N° 75 Edward Archer
/22
JO
Accounts
A . rAt- t 76 Mathew Viscner . . .
(NYSL) u 77 David Gibson
28
14-
/; 78 Cloude van Deusen & Peter Bont
8
/ 79 Commissioners of Charlotte county
IOO
u 80 Hugh McAdam
72
u 8 1 John C Lansing1
217
17
2
u 82 Jeremiah Fonda
8
a 83 William Harrison . ....
28
c
84. John Mc Cov . .
1 1
J5
a 85 John Ja Beeckman
2A.
10
u 86 Henry Shaver
80
„ 87 Bethuel Washburn
IQ7
4I 88 Cornelius Cuyler
Q2
1 1
// 89 Jesse Fairchilds2
222
16
„ 90 Ezra Buel ....
8
tl 91 Bethuel Washburn
128
12
92 Jacob Slingerland3
28
I 2
en Peter Seesrer
20
// 94 Jeremiah van Rensselaar
I c
12
95 John 5 Lansing
2O2
8
jO
/; 96 Petrus Wynkoop . .
IOO
H 97 Bethuel Washburn
^71
2
„ 98 Bethuel Washburn
6?
I 2
7/ 99 Richard Yselstyn4 ...
7
I i
tl 100 Bethuel Washburn
4-1
17
tl 101 Bethuel Waschburn
^8
„ 1 02 Isaac D: Fonda.
74.
T.
// IO3 Jonn Fonda Junior . . .
74
„ 104 Thomas Ismay
91
iq
6
tl 105 Daniel Dickinson5
4.6
16
tl 106 Leonard Gansevoort Junior
144
/; 107 Amaziach Winchester6
96
16
// 1 08 Jacob Gaul . . .
CO
a 109 Bethuel Waschburn7
2S
4
// no Mathew Vischer
2IO
1 John 5 Lansing. £ Dickison.
2 Fairchild. ' Ama^iah Winchester
• Slingerlandt. 7 Washburn.
* Esselstyne.
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
813
Continental
^6506 1 6
Audited N° 1 1 1 Jesse Fairchilds' ^765 12
Accounts
A : 147 " ll2 Stephen Bell 80
(NYSL) u j I3 jacob Kidney 80
a 1 14 Jacob Kidney 60
a 115 Leonard Gansevoort Junior 292
Continental .£6506 16 i
1778 Money received Cr
28 April To cash received from G: Bancker EsqT Treas
urer of the State of New York ,£1000
12 August To cash from dito 1000
1779
15 Jann To ditto ;/ d? in Sundry Payments 1000
31 May To ditto ditto 1500
21 Oct: To ditto ditto 2000
Balance due comrnissT8 carried to Specie account. . . 6 16
J: V: Rensselaar "1
Math: Visscher > late Commissr?
John M' Beeckman
To Ball pT contra bro* forward £6. 16. i reduced in Specie is . .
N? in To a Ballance on an Account of Jesse Fairchild ... 3
u 112 To H ditto „ a d? „ Stephen Bell 72
a 54 To „ ditto u u d? u Cornelius Humfrey 20
a 16 To an Ace: of James M?Master 6
u i To am^ of Stephen Bell's acct $ Voucher 30
2 To d° „ Jesse Hainhild2 81
" 3 To d? Jacob Kidney 70
u 4 To d? Robert Hassin3 2
a 5 To d? Peter Bronk 4
„ 6 To Robbert Kennedy 6
„ 7 To John D: Clute
a 8 Coenraad Klyne 9
1 Fairchild.
J The auditor's record is incorrect, as the name should be Fairchild.
3 Harper.
10
State of New York
Audited
N? 9 John Fortfuydt . .
£16
16
Accounts
A * TAT
u 10 Thomas Cole
c
|
(NYSL)
„ ii Robert Kennedy ...
8
a 12 Jac : Caldwell
I 2
u 13 Stuwart Deane1
86
2
u 14 John Vissher
i
6
6
u 15 David Gibson. . . . .
c
A
u 17 Goose van Schaick
14
16
a 1 8 David Fonda
t 7
g
a 20 Am* of Isaac D Fondas acct as Commissioner
u 21 do u S: Stringer d° d?
467
28l
19
6
6
„ 22 d? H John M: Beeckman d°
a 23 d° u Mathew Vissher* d?
Jt 19 Isaac D: Fonda
499
284
7
15
18
6
u 24 Am* of Jerem: Van Rensselaar acct asCommiss1.. .
u 25 u u !*>'. Gansevoort Junior as Clerk
138
c-?4
9
I 2
6
6
a 26 d° to cliff* people
2 ^
c
Cr-
^'2690
19
1780
16 Dec: By cash from the Treasury
£41
1781
17 Sept. a d? „ d?
1 60
19 Nov. a d° H d?
76
1782
1 6 Jann „ d? M d?
7 ^
14.
1 1 Maart M d? M d?
•7 CQ
Received from forfeited Recognizances from T: Truax3
// // // // // P. Trimhout1 . .
// u // // a P: Empie5
a u // // // I. Collayer6
Balances due the Commissioners. . .
80
12
2O
1868
15
6
6
2690
19
—
i Stewart Dean. « Peter Finehout.
2 Visscher. 6 Philip Empie.
3 Jacob Truax. 6 Isaac Collayer.
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
815
Audited
Accounts
A. _ .,_
Df
To Ball pr Contra
1868
9
6
. 147
(NYSL)
To am of Petrus WVnkoops ace
60
_
" d° Hugh Mitchel
21
i
6
1949
1 1
—
Balance due the Commissioners
1949
1 1
Audited 19 November 1784.
Audited State of New York D^ to JosePh Gasharie Corn! E. Wynkoop & Corn*
Accounts Schoonmaker Commissioners of Conspiracies
(NYSL) To J°sePh Gasharie as fl
To Corn1? E. Wynkoop $ d°
To Corn5 Schoonmaker $ d
1781
July 31 To Cash pd Cap1 Bogardus as
1782
Feby 8 To Cash pd Corn5 Bicker. . $
26 To d° paid Martin Snyder. . ty
June 8 To d° paid Augustus Jay. . ^
I78l
Dec! By Cash rece'd of the Treasurer
Audited nth April 1785
1 N°i.
10 u 6 „ —
2.
9 M 2 a —
' 3-
9"'6"~
* Rec*.
6 // — // —
ditto. .
3 // i 2 // —
ditto . .
3 // 15*
ditto. .
•-> R
2 // ° //
44 // 19 u —
4° // — // —
— 4
Audited State of N York to Egbert Benson
Accounts
A : 208
(NYSL)
To my Service as a Commissioner for Conspi-
cies from the 5th Feby 1778 to the time of
my resigning the said Office 400 Days @ 2o/
^ day pursuant to the Act of the Legisla
ture of 5th Feby 1778 ,6400 a —
Deduct for depreciation at 160 for 100 isl
equal to 12 / 6 $ day I 150 u —
250
,th
Audited ntn April 1785 —
8i6
State of New York
Audited State of New York to Robert Harpur
Accounts
Dr
A : 210
(NYSL)
For my Services as a Commissioner for Conspi-
,th
th
racies from 13™ July 1778 to 4™ Jany 1780
pursuant to the Act of the Legislature of 5th
Feby 1778 — 370 days @ 2o/ 370 u —
Deduct for Depreciation at 160 for 100 138 „ 15
Audited 12th April 1785 —
Audited State of New York Dr to Cornelius E. Wynkoop
Accounts por t-o days Service as a Commissioner for de-
(NYSL) tecting and defeating Conspiracies from the
17th April 1778 to 26th Aug* 1780 at Pough-
keepsie @ 20 / ^jft day 50 a — a —
For 3 days service as ditto at Kingston @ 2o/. 3 H — „ —
53 // — // —
Deduct Depreciation at 1 60 for 100 19^17^ 6 33 2
Audited 14th April 1785 —
Audited State of New York DT to Cornelius Schoonmaker
AC:°2i3S To 6o Days Service from 4th July 1778 to 15th
(NYSL) Septr 1779 as a Commissioner of Conspira
cies @ 20/ ^ day 60 u — „ —
To 39 Days ditto from 6th Septr 1780 to 26th
March 1783 as above @ i4/ ^ day \ 27 „ 6 u —
87 a 6/,—
C:
By Depreciation deducted on £60 at 160 for
IOO 22 tl IO a 64 l6
231
Audited 14th April 1785 —
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
Audited state of New York Dr to Israel Thompson Esqr
A : 215
(NYSL)
late one of the Coinmissr? of Conspiracies
For 22 days Attendance (as Commissioner by
Virtue of an Act of the Legislature passed
5th Feby 1778) between the 9th April & 25th
June 1778 @ 2o/ ........................
To 3 days travelling to & from Pougkepsie
3 // //
25 // — // —
By Depreciation on £25 — a — @ 160 for 100. 9 „ 7 a 6
Audited 19th April 1785 —
Audited State of New York DT to Cornf3 of Conspiracies
Accounts To Teunis Tappen Secretary to the Commissrs 1
(NYSL) *or Amo* of his Acco* of incidental Charges > 500
and his Pay as Secretary to the Board . . .
1779
March u By Cash return'd by Isaac Bloom
for One Barrel Pork spoil'd — purchas'd
for the Use of the Prisoners ,£18 lt — „ •
Cont! reduc'd to Specie at 1000 for 100.
OctobT By Cash rece'd from Sun
dry Tory Prisoners to defray
their Expences Viz*
16 —
William Tud
William Ealigh.
William Brown.
Nicholas Stickle
William Wood..
Simon Low . .
21 „ 12
15 u 4
16 „ -
Cont! Curr^ yj „ iS „ i
£37 // 1 8 u i Cont! reduced to Spe
cie @ 2032 for 100
Audited 19th April 1785
3 H 13 // 3
496
8i8
State of New York
Audited state of New York D? to Com?8 of Conspiracies
Accounts
A : 216 *or Dutchess County by Virtue of an Act of
(NYSL) the Legislature passed 5th Febry 1 778 -
To Zephaniah Platt, between 6th April 1778 &
Ist Jany 1780 — 90 days @ 2O/ ^ day
.£90 — u — reduc'd at 160 for 100
To Thomas Moffat between ioth June 1778 &"]
27th of same Month 15 days @ 2O/
,£15 — H — reduc'd at 160 for 100 J
To Joseph Strang between 22d June 1778 &]
Ist April 1779 — 13 days @ 2O/ j
.£13 — H — reduc'd at 160 for 100. .
To Peter Cantine Jun? between 15th
56 // 5 // —
8;/ zu 6
Novr]
1 779 & 20th of same Month — 6 days @ 2O/ \-
£6 — a — reduc'd at 1 60 for 100 ,
Audited 19th April 1785
Audited state of New York Dr to Joseph Strang One of
Accounts
A * 284-5 ^e Commissioners for detecting & defeating
Conspiracies in Dutchess County
284-5
(KYSL)
Days
th
To my Services as CommissT from 19 March
to May 5 1777 both days included. .
.th
To ditto from 23d June to 4™ July 1778.
To ditto from 13th Aug* to 4th Septr 1778
To ditto 14th & 15th Septr 1778 looking about
to carry some Persons to be sent off
To my Services as Commissr Ist & 2d Octr
1778 attending the Commissr.s at Poug-
kepsie & preparing to send Persons off
To ditto from ist to ioth Novr 1778 notify
ing such Persons as were directed to go
within the Enemies Lines & sending them
off..
^ days
days @ 20 ^ day reduc'd at 160 100 30 tl 6 // 3
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
819
Audited I77g
A : 284-5 Septr 4 To Cash paid John Haynesl
(NYSL) for j6 days riding in Service > 26 „ — „ —
of Commissioners
To ditto pd Samuel Lyon for noti-1
fying Evidences & other Ser- > 3 u — /7 —
vices
To ditto paid for Paper & Quills . . i /; i a 4
30 // i ,/ 4
^3° // J // 4 reduc'd at 400 for 100 is Specie .... 7 „ 10 „ 4
37 // 16 a 7
cr:
1785
April 19 By an Acco* audited this day for 8 u 2 u 6
29
M
i
Audited i9th October 1785 —
Audited state of New York Dr to Ebenezer Purdy
A ; 316 as One of the Commiss1? for detecting
(NYSL) Conspiracies
To Cash paid for hire of Guards & their
Expences while in Service .
18
Audited 25th February 1786
Audited State of New York to Charles R. Webster
Asr4r '^ Dr.
(NYSL) April 14 To inserting in the New York
Gazetteer an Act entitled an Act to repeal
an Act entitled An Act to revive the Laws
appointing Commissioners for detecting &
defeating Conspiracies & to give certain
powers to Magistrates & Courts therein
mention'd passed the 27 March 1783 making
in the said paper 4^ squares at 8 / <p square
16
Audited 25th August 1786
820
State of New York
Audited
Accounts
B : 127
(NYSL)
State of New York to Josiah Ingersol Dr
To Certain services performed for the State
at the Request of Zephaniah Platt and
Egbert Benson late Commissioners for
Conspiracies &c in transporting Certain
quantities of Beef and having the same
Smooked to prevent it from Spoiling in
the year 1779
2
o
o
Sworn to by Egbert Benson
Aud 22 Novr 1787
Audited
Accounts
B : igo
(NYSL)
The Commissioners for Conspiracies &c
To Robert Hoffman Dr
Cr
To 3 Barrell of Superfine Flour 130 each
at 307 $ hundred
To 3 Barril @ 2/6 each
7
i?
7
6
6
£ 8
5
Sworn to by Stephen Hendrickson and
Robert Hoffman
Audited June 3Oth 1789.
STATE TREASURER
Day Book, Vol.2 — April, 1778 to September, 1784
(Archives of New York State Library)
April 28^h 1778
Jeremiah V: Rensselaer, Isaac D. Fonda &? the
Commiss" of Conspiracy hi Albany ap
pointed by virtue of the late Law. DT
To Cash J933
£
IOOO
s
d
July Ist 1778
Sundry Accounts Dr To Cash viz?
Zephaniah Platt &? the Commissioners of
Conspiracy at Poughkepsie last
appd . . . 2002 . .
1500
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
821
July 12^ 1778
Jeremiah V Renselaer &c the Comm1? of
Conspiracy at Albany Df to Cash 2037
August 28^ 1778
Zephaniah Platt &c Commissioners of Con
spiracy Dr To Cash 2038
September 25^ 1778
Sundry Accounts Dr To Cash vizt
Zepheniah Platt &? Commr.s of Conspiracy 2067
November 8, 1778
Sundry Accounts Dr To Cash viz?
Zephaniah Platt &? Commissioners of
Consp^f in part of the £3000 Credit
by a Law passed the [blank] 2084
January i^ 1779
Sundry Accounts Dr To Cash viz]
Zephaniah Platt &? the CommT3 of
Consp7 at Poughkepsie 2098
January Is* 1779
Sundry Accounts Dr To Cash viz!
Egbert Benson &? Com1!3 Conspiracy 2104
January 15. 1779
Jeremiah V Rensselaer &? The Albany ComTs
Conspiracy Dr
To Rooseboom Bancker & White for so much
J McKesson received from them &
paid you .£500 „ —
To Leonard Gansevoort Treasurer of the
Co. of Albany for my Draft on
L Gansevoort 500 „ —
for the above two Sums See their Order &
J McKessons Receipt
May 31!* 1779
Jeremiah V Rensselaer &c Dr
To Cash.. 2247
£
IOOO
500
500
500
4021
1000
1500
822
State of New York
June 30 1779
Zephaniah Platt &? DT (May 29*h)
To Cash Advanced to them a[s] CommT3 of
Conspiracy 2258
£
1500
s
a
October 15^ 1779
Sundry Accounts DT To Cash viz*
Zeph1? Platt &a on Acco* 2279
October 2is.t 1779
Jeremiah V. Rensselaer &*? Df
To Cash p? Matthew Fisher1 one of the
CommT3 of Conspiracy of the County of
Albany 2281
2000
2OOO
—
-_
November 18. 1779
Sundry Accounts Dr To Cash viz^
Zephaniah Platt &? CommT3 of Conspiracy 2368
September 23*? 1780
Sundry Accot3 DT To Cash viz^
Zeph1? Platt &? CommT3 of Conspiracy the
Ballance of an Account this day settled 2503A
January 29^ 1781
Cash DT To Zephaniah Platt &* a repaym* of
.£2000. which they had not Credited in their
Account Audited & Settled at Poughkeepsie.
2OOO
56
2OOO
1 1
To State of N Y re<? of ditto the forfeited
Recognizance of Peter Storm
4.OO
of ditto D° of Jas Hammond junr
268
June i2th 1781
Jeremiah V. Rensselaer & Co CommT3 of Con
spiracy Dr
To Cash paid them the i6th December last
£ 41 tt N E. at 40. the then Exchange 2611
1640
Visscher.
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
823
September 17th 1781
Sundry Accounts Df To Cash viz*.
Jeremiah V Rensselaer &? Commissioners of
Conspiracy in Albany .£160
N. E.. ..2783 £160
November i9*h 1781
Joseph Gasherie Cornelius Schoonmaker and
Cornelius E Wynkoop Commrs of Conspiracy D?
To Cash 2809 £40 a — a —
Jeremiah V. Rensselaer &? Commf3 of Con
spiracy 2812 76 „ — lt —
January i6th 1782
Jeremiah V Rensselaer & Co. Dr
To Cash £73 a H a — NE — 2823
March n*.h 1782
Jeremiah V Rensselaer & Co Dr
To Cash paid Leonard Gansevoort
tt their Order ,£350 N Emission
jun
2831
January 29 1784
Sundry Accounts Dr To Cash viz*
Honeywell, Purdy & Rockw! Comm!"3
Conspy for W: Chester £20 a — e —
2984
*h
February 2otn 1784
State of New York DT To Cash
pd Ab. DePeyster Clerk of Commrs
Conspy £50 —
May 5th 1784
State of New York Dr To Sundry Accounts
viz*
To Alexander Webster, Ebenezer Clark,
Alexander McNitt and John McClung
Commissioners of Conspy in Charlotte
County for Amount of their Accots of
Contingencies say Ball 3027
£ 155 a 16 „ 2-J
2989
I2OOO
3000
5700
5527
26250
1500
3750
17
824
State of New York
May 24! h 1784
Zephaniah Platt &c the Commissrs of Con
spiracy at Poughkeepsie Df To Cash pd
R Harpur one of the Members of that
Board 3165 ,£100
May 24th 1784
State of New York Dr To Sundry Accounts vizf
To Zephaniah Platt &? for the pay of Robert
Harpur a Member of the Board of CommP*
of Conspiracy 3165^ 156, 12 u —
September 3d 1784
Sundry Acco*s Dr To Cash viz*
Zepl1 Platt &? pd R. Harpr
3336 £56 12 —
7500
"745
4245
STATE TREASURER
Accounts — May, 1775 to January, 1797
(Archives of New York State Library)
1778
Sep* 23
April 28
July i
July 12
Aug* 12
28
d.
By Cash from Egbert Benson &? CornrnT8 of
Conspiracy 47
To Cash pd Jeremiah V. Rensselaer, Isaac
D Fonda &9 Commissioners for detecting
Conspiracies 1933 1000
To Cash pd Zephaniah Platt &9 the new
Appd Commissioners of Conspiracy,
din"** Paym*s 2002 1500
To d? pd Serg^ David Mills pay of a party
to apprehend disaffected persons 2023 50
To d? pd Jeremiah V. Rensselaer &c the
CommT3 of Conspiracy in Albany on
Account 2037
To d? pd Platt &c the Commrs of Con
spiracy at Poughkepsie on Acco^ 2038 500
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
825
Sepf 25
To d? pd Zephaniah Platt &? the Commissrs
of Conspiracy at Poughkepsie on
£
s
cl
Acco* 2067
500
_
—
Nov. 8
To Cash p? Zephaniah Platt &c the last
Appointed Commissioners of Conspiracy
in part of the .£3000 Cf by a Late
Law 2084
500
—
—
1779
Jany i
Paid Zephaniah Platt &c the CommissT3
of Conspiracy at Poughkeepsie on Acco*" 2098
2OOO
_
—
i
Paid Egbert Benson &<: Commrs of Con-
spy 2104
4O2I
17
6
May 31
Paid Jeremiah V Rensselaer &c CommT5
Conspy at Albany 2247
1500
—
—
June 30
Paid Zep*1 Platt &? Commrs Conspiracy on
Acco1 2258
1500
-
—
Octobr 15
Paid Zeph Platt Sc? Commrs Conspiracy 2279
2000
-
—
21
Paid Jeremiah V Rensselaer &?
Com. Conspy 2281
2OOO
—
._.
NovT 1 8
Paid Zeph*1 Platt &? Commrs Seqn [sic] 2368
2OOO
—
—
1780
Sep. 23
Paid Zephaniah Platt &9 CommT3 Conspy A25O3
56
o
1 1
1781
June 6
Paid Jeremiah V. Rensselaer &?
Com. Conspy 2611
1640
—
—
Sept 17
Paid Jer!1 V. Rensselaer &? Commissioners
of Conspiracy ,£160 2783
I2OOO
—
--
Novf 19
Paid Gasherie Schoonmaker & Wynkoop
Comm!;3 Conspiracy .£40 2809
3000
—
-
19
Paid Jer: V. Rensselaer & Com.Cons: £76 2812
5700
—
—
1781
Jany 29
From Zeph Platt &c Com. Conspy l
2OOO
-
—
From d? for Sundry Forfeited Recognizances
668
—
--
1782
Jany 1 6
Paid Jer: V Rensselaer & Com:
Consp: N E £73 * H — 2823
5527
IO
—
March n
Paid Jer: V Rensselaer &? Com: Cons:
N E .£350 2831
26250
—
—
1 This item
is out of order in the original.
826
State of New York
1784 Specie Continental
Jan? 29 To Honeywell, Purdy & Rock
£
s
d
f
s
d
well, Commiss Consp. W.
/SJ
A3
Chester 2984
20
11
II
1500
//
//
Feb? 20 To D? Ab: Depeyster, Clk of
Commiss: Cons. £50 u — u — 2989
50
II
u
3750
May 5 To Webster, Clark &<r in part
(Commiss: Conspiracy) 3027
34
8
3
2580
IS
9
May 24 To Zepheniah Platt &? Com
miss: Consp. at Poughkeep-
sie p^ R. Harpur, a memT of
that board 3165
IOO
a
u
7500
//
//
Sep'3 To Zephaniah Platt &? pd
R. Harpur Conspiracies 3336
56
12
u
4245
//
u
October 1 1 Paid Gilbert Livingston, Com-
missf of Conspir y 3377
163
-'
u
12 Paid Rynier Mynderse ComT
Conspir^ for Schen7 3378
56
//
u
12 Paid Andrew Renex Ditto 3379
2
14
II
12 Paid Hugh Mitchell Ditto 3380
66
10
II
Nov. 20 Paid Jeremiah V. Renselaer &C?
Com? Conspir^ 3449
1949
1 1
II
25 Paid Rynier Mynderse &C?
Com3 Consp7 3454
62
2
II
1785
April 12 Paid Egbert Benson &C?
Com? Conspy 3670
250
//
II
12 Paid Robert Harpur D? 3671
231
5
II
14 Paid Zepheniah Platt &? Com
miss: Conspy 3684
64
1 6
II
1 8 Paid Gasherie, Schoonmaker &
Wynkoop, the Ballance of
their Account C. C. 3688
4
19
//
May 7 Paid Zeph* Platt &C° ConiT3
Conspiracy 3 7 1 8
56
5
//
October 21 Paid Joseph Strang, a ComT of
Conspy 3908
29
H
I
DecemF 20 Paid Joseph Strang, a Commissf
of Conspiracy 3974
8
2
6
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
827
1786
Januar 23?
Paid Peter Cantine, late Commissf
£
8
d
Conspi. 402 1
3
15
0
1787
Novemf 24
Paid Egbert Benson for so much
Adv1? by him as Commissioner
of Conspiracy 5158
2
u
a
1791
November i
9*h Paid Thomas Moffat, as a Com
missioner of Conspiracy 7053
9
7
6
1792
January 14
Paid Thomas Moffat a Ball?6 due
to Moffat, Wissner & Cooper,
Commiss?s of Conspiracy for
Orange 7085
42
3
1 1
APPENDIX III
MISCELLANEA
FIRST GENERAL COMMISSION OF COMMISSIONERS
FOR CONSPIRACIES
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK by the Grace Rev Msg
of God free and Independant To William Wills, Soverinas 40 : 156
Cock, and James McMasters of the County of Tryon, John (compel)
M Beekman Jeremiah V. Rensselaer, Isaac Fonda, Matthew
Vischer Hugh Mitchel Cornelius Humfrey, John M'rClung
and Peter Wynkoop of the County of Albany, Cornelius C
Wynkoop, Cornelius C Schoonmaker, and Peter Cantine 1778
(Son of Matthew Cantine Esquire) of the County of Ulster,
Israel Honeywell Jonathan G. Tomkins and Joseph Strang
of the County of West Chester, Zephaniah Platt, Egbert
Benson and Israel Thompson of the County of Dutchess,
Henry Wisner, Thomas Moffat and Gilbert Cuyper, of the
County of Orange, and Alexander Webster, Alexander
McNitt, and Ebenezer Clark of the County of Charlotte
Esquires Greeting, KNOW YE that pursuant to two certain
Acts of the Legislature of our Said State the one entitled:
"An Act to appoint Commissioners for detecting and defeat
ing Conspiracies and declaring their powers," and the other
entitled, "An Act for encreasing the Number of Commis
sioners for detecting and defeating Conspiracies within this
State." WE HAVE appointed constituted and assigned, and by
these presents do appoint constitute and assign you the said
829
830 State of New York
William Wills Soverinas Cock, James McMasters, John M
Beekman, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, Isaac Fonda, Matthew
Vischer, Hugh Mitchell, Cornelius Humfrey, John M'rClung,
Peter Wynkoop, Cornelius C Wynkoop Cornelius C Schoon-
maker, Peter Cantine, Israel Honeywell, Jonathan G. Tom-
kins, Joseph Strang, Zephaniah Platt, Egbert Benson, Israel
Thompson, Henry Wisner, Thomas Moffat, Gilbert Cuyper,
Alexander Webster, Alexander M'rNitt and Ebenezer Clark
Commissioners for enquiring into detecting and defeating all
Conspiracies which may be formed in this State against the
Liberties of America, with full power and Authority to you
and any and every three of you to do and perform the several
Acts Matters and Things in the said two several Acts men
tioned, which by you or any three of you as Commissioners as
aforesaid may be lawfully done and performed. IN TES
TIMONY whereof we have caused these our Letters to be made
Patent and the Great Seal of our said State to be hereunto
affixed. WITNESS our trusty and well beloved George Clin
ton Esquire Governor of our said State, General and Com
mander in Chief of all the Militia and Admiral of the Navy
of the same the fourth Day of April in the Year of our Lord
one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight.
Geo: Clinton
By His Excellency's Command,
Jn? Morin Scott Secretary
A true Copy, Examined by me,
Teunis Tappan Sec?
Endorsed:
App* of Commissioners of
Conspiracy 4^ April 1778.
Appendix III : Miscellanea 831
OATHS1
I do solemnly swear and declare in
the presence of Almighty God that I ought not and do not
acknowledge any Allegiance to the King of Great Brittain,
his Heirs or Successors or any power or Authority of the
Parliament of the said Kingdom of Great Brittain, and that I
will bear true faith and Allegiance to the State of New York
as a free and Independant State, and that I will in all things
to the best of my knowledge and Ability do my Duty as a
good Subject of the said State ought to do, So help me God,
Ebenezar Allen Joseph Greenman
Adam Vrooman Benjamin Greenman ju-
Daniel Chase Mindert Van Hoesan
his Jeremije mullr
Jonathan X Chase his
Mark William X Bartel
James X Lake Mark
Daniel Mosher his
[Stgnatures]Ishme{ Reynolds Mathewis X Pool
his Mark
John X Van Hining his
Mark Tobias X Salsbury
Charles Near Mark
his John Cobham2
Nicholas X Boss
Mark
his
Jacob X Finehout
Mark
his
Peter X Finehout
Mark
'From the manuscript minutes, vol i, pp. 240-243.
2 These signatures were attached to the oath at various times in 1778
and 1779.
832 State of New York
I do hereby solemnly without any mental Reser
vation or Equivocation whatsoever swear and declare and
call God to witness that I renounce and Adjure all Allegi
ance to the King of Great Britain and that I will bear true
Faith a*nd Allegiance to the State of New York as a free
and Independant State, and that I will in all Things to the
best of my Knowledge and Ability do my Duty as a good
and faithful Subject of the said State ought to do — so help
me God —
Sworn I2^h Aug* 1782"! Arch? McNeil
before me at Albany/ [Signatures]
Samj Stringer Justice.
The above Oath administred by
me to Abner Darling the 10^ Abner Darling
Day of October 1782. [Signatures]
John M: Beeckman Justice
I do solemnly and without any mental Reser
vation or equivocation whatsoever Swear and call God to
Witness that I beleive & acknowledge the State of New
York to be of Right a free and Independent State and that
no authority or power can of right be exercised in or over
the said State but what is or shall be granted by or derived
from the People thereof and further that as a good Subject
of the said free and Independant State of New York I will
to the best of my knowledge and Ability faithfully do my
duty, and as I shall keep or disregard this Oath so help and
deal with me Almighty God.
John Visger Duncan MacDougall
Volckert Van Veghten Corn5 Van Schelluyne
[Signatures] R* Bleecker
Appendix III : Miscellanea 833
[Signatures] Rob1 Clench
John Glen
Hendrick Frey
John Duncan
Barnet Stilwell
Peter W. Yates
Henry Ten Eyck
Gysbert Fonda
Corn3 Glen
Daniel Campbell
James Ellice
I Leonard Gansevoort Junr Clerk to the Commissioners
of the County of Albany appointed for detecting & defeat
ing all Conspiracies which may be formed in this State
against the Liberties of America do most solemnly swear
in the Presence of Almighty God, that I will keep secret all
such Matters as shall be given me in Charge by the said
Commissioners and that I shall remain under such Injunc
tion till discharged therefrom by the said Commissioners —
Leond Gansevoort Junrl
CERTIFICATION OF TORIES.
To John Morin Scott Esqr Secretary of the State of New York
TVT v , Col. MSS.
JNew York — I0i ; 149
We John M. Beekman, Mathew Visscher and Isaac D. (NYSL)
Fonda Esqrs Commissioners appointed for enquiring into 1778
detecting and defeating all Conspiracies which may be
formed in this State against the Liberties of America agree
able to the Directions of an Act of the Legislature of the State
of New York entitled "an Act more effectually to prevent the
1 The entire oath is in Gansevoort's handwriting, and was subscribed to
by him on April 24, 1778. For facsimile see Vol. I, p. 292.
834 State of New York
Mischiefs arising from the Influence and Example of Persons
of equivocal and suspected Characters in this State" do
hereby certify that in Pursuance of the said Act we have
caused the following Persons to come before us viz.1 David
Van Schaack of the District of Kinderhook on the Thirtieth
Day of August last, Nicholas Stevens of the Township of
Schonectady on the Fifteenth Day of August last, Henry Van
Schaack of the District of Kinderhook on the Seventeenth
Day of August last, and Lambert Burghart of the District
of Kinderhook on the twenty first Day of August last Alex
ander Campbell of the Township of Schonectady on the
Seventh Day of September Instant and Martin Crom of
Claverack District on the Fourteenth Day of September
Instant and offered to administer to them respectively the
Oath therein mentioned which the said David Van Schaack,
Nicholas Stevens, Henry Van Schaack Lambert Burghart,
Alexander Campbell and Martin Crom severally refused to
take As Witness our Hands and seals this twenty second
Day of September in the Year One thousand seven hundred
and seventy eight
John M: Beeckman [Seal]
Mat: Visscher [Seal]
Isaac D Fonda [Seal]1
CoiT MSS L*st °f tne Names of Persons who have refused to take the
102 SL? Oat^ prescribed by a Law of this State to be taken by Persons
of neutral and equivocal Characters and who have in Con-
1783 sequence thereof been removed within the Enemy's Lines
or detained by his Excellency the Governor for Exchange.
Richard Cartwright Richard Minifee
Peter Vosburgh John Stevenson
Lowrence Goes Absolom Woodworth
1 The body of this document is in the handwriting of Leonard Ganse-
voort, Jr., and is signed by the Commissioners.
Appendix III : Miscellanea 835
Harmen Pruyn John Gumming
William Rea Isaac Man
Barent Van Der Pool John Kortz Junr
Andries Huyck Alexander White
Benjamin Baker i/Dirck Gardinier
Henry Van Dyck Mathew Goes JunF
James Dole I/ John D. Goes
Marte Van Buren John Van Alen
David Van Schaack Henry Van Schaack
Nicholas Stevens V Lambert Burghart
John Thurman Alexander Campbell
Peter Van Schaack i/Martin Crom
Andries Ten Eyck
Those marked (V) were to have been sent down with the
Van Schaack' s but secreted themselves and could not then be
found and are now at their respective Homes — they with
the Van Schaacks &c had been reserved for Exchange by the
Governor.
Stewart Dean "] Commiss"
Albany 8 Feb?. 1783 John M. Beeckman \ for
Sam! Stringer J Conspiracies1
Endorsed: Return of
the Persons
banished by
by Commiss?3
at Albany
AN EXCHANGE.
May it please your Excellency. New y0rk
Having been a Prisoner on Parole to the Commissioners of CoL MSS-
fe 102 : 19
Conspiracy for these two years past, & confined to the Town (NYSL)
of Schenectady, not being allowed to reside on my Farm, — I78i
Mar. 30.
1 The body of this document is in the handwriting of Leonard Ganse-
voort, Jr., and is signed by the Commissioners.
836 State of New York
my Property not protected; — These, with other Reasons,
induce me to wish for Permission to remove to Canada with
my Family. — I have therefore] presumed to apply to your
Excellency for Permission to be exchanged for some Citizen
of this State now a Prisoner in Canada, and that I may be
allowed to go under the Protection of the first public Flagg. —
I will do myself the Honor to wait personally upon your Ex
cellency at any Hour that may be convenient. — An Answer
from your Excellency will much oblige,
Your most obedient
& very humble serv*
His Excellency John Stuart.
Governor Clinton.
Albany March 3<Dth 1781
I hereby signify my Consent and Approbation to the Ex
change of John Stuart agreable to his above Request.
Given at Albany this 3<Dth March 1781
Geo: Clinton
Addressed: Endorsed:
To J°hn Stuart permitted to be
His Excellency exchanged by the Gov-
Governor Clinton ernor
Albany March 3Oth 1781
filed in the Secretary's Of
fice the 30^ day of March
1781 —
See Analytical Index
Vol. III.
14 DAY USE
RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED
LOAN DEPT.
This book is due on the last date stamped below, or
on the date to which renewed.
Renewed books are subject to immediate recall.
REC'D
OCT6 '64-4JPM
OCT 1 4 197^
EEC. CIS. APR 1 6 '75
—
BEC, Gift DEC
JAN 1 4 1983
SEP 17
LD 21A-40m-ll '63
(E1602slO)476B
General Library
University of California
Berkeley
_•*.*••
192943
Live Music
Archive
Librivox
Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland
Museum of Art
Internet
Arcade
Console Living Room
Open Library
American
Libraries
TV News
Understanding
9/11